BRATISLAVA, June 20, (WEBNOVINY) — The European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) supported the Slovak position to the adoption of the new constitution of Hungary. Slovakia was convinced that the country of residence is the primary one responsible for protection of human rights of individuals belonging to national minorities. The Venice Commission also emphasized the individual character of human rights, as the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities does not establish collective rights for minorities.
“The Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry also welcomes the conclusions of the Venice Commission, underlining the need for respect of the principles of good neighborhood relations and to avoid extraterritorial elements that could alarm neighboring countries and lead to inter-ethnic tension,” Petra Greksova of the ministry told SITA news agency. In its statement from May 27, the Slovak Parliament rejected any extraterritorial effects of other countries’ legislation. “The Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry considers the position of the Venice Commission important and crucial to the interpretation and application of the new Hungarian constitution, as well as other connected legal norms,” Greksova concluded.
Hungary’s parliament approved the new constitution in mid-April. The legislation features a great deal of controversial parts, of which the right to vote in Hungary granted to ethnic Hungarians living outside the country who apply for citizenship has triggered the harshest criticism.
SITA
