PRESIDENT BUSH’S VISIT IN BUDAPEST MAY BE CANCELLED

It is almost certain that President Bush’s visit in Budapest will be cancelled for this year, Magyar Nemzet has been informed.

George Herbert Walker, US ambassador to Hungary announced Bush’s visit on March 3, expressing his hopes that apart from the official programme a meeting of the Bush and Walker families could be organized as the ambassador is a relative of the president. After Ferenc Somogyi, Foreign Minister’s visit to Washington doubts have been stronger about the timing of Bush’s visit.

Observers claim the cause of uncertainty can be Washington’s dissatisfaction with the performance of Hungary in international affairs, including its participation in NATO and in the Iraqi military operations. One of the problems between the two countries has been the question of US visas and all promises to cancel the obligatory visa system seem to be empty.

Translated by Péter Szentmihályi Szabó