Szijjarto: W Balkans stability, peace in Hungary's natl security interest

A stable and peaceful Western Balkan region is a national security interest for Hungary, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Brussels on Monday, adding that Hungary was calling for continued dialogue instead of imposing sanctions. Hungary believes that the threat of sanctions in the Western Balkans is counter-productive, Szijjarto told Hungarian reporters during a break in a meeting with his European Union counterparts. Sanctions lead to tensions instead of peace and only deepen conflicts, the minister said, adding that Hungary was asking all its allies and friends to favour dialogue over restrictive measures.