The Question Is: What's the Fastest Route to Peace?

"The question is: What is the fastest way to peace in Ukraine?" Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto stated in his speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto (Photo: AFP)

He also drew attention to the need to consider the weight of words in crisis situations, noting that Hungary is seriously concerned about "open and shameless references to the possible use of nuclear weapons". 

He stressed that the solution must therefore be sought elsewhere, at the negotiating table, which could save many lives. 

Therefore Hungary argues in favor of an immediate ceasefire and the start of peace talks. This would be the fastest way to peace,

he underlined.

Peter Szijjarto also drew attention to difficulties, saying that the international liberal mainstream made peace a curse word.

Whoever argues in favor of peace will be immediately attacked and stigmatized,

he pointed out. 

He emphasized that the UN should play a greater role in diplomatic efforts towards a settlement, because the "UN gives a legitimate possibility even for countries at war with each other to talk each other".

He went on to point out that Hungary considers it as nonsense and unacceptable that the representatives of the big powers are not ready to talk to each other, which poses a serious security risk and could lead to the world being divided into blocs again.

In his view, the whole world could benefit from a civilized east-west cooperation. He noted that Hungary can serve as a good example to demonstrate what a big growth potential is inherent in a civilized east to west cooperation. In this context, Peter Szijjarto highlighted that Hungary is pursuing a pragmatic, patriotic foreign policy based on common sense and national interests.

Hungary's foreign minister stressed that global politics must change fundamentally and must return to the basis of mutual respect, with dialogue and diplomacy becoming the major tools once again. 

This is not hopeless, he said, because the friends of peace are in majority in the UN, and Hungary is proud to be part of this global pro-peace majority. 

We are ready to support all global initiatives aiming to reach peace and discuss all peace plans,

he said. Meanwhile, he called it unacceptable that some countries would like to attach exclusivity to one or another peace plan. He said that all peace plans should be discussed, including the proposal put together by Brazil and China.

Speaking about economic sanctions, he said that they are totally useless, causing greater harm to some European economies than to Russia.

Regarding the massive waves of illegal migration, Peter Szijjarto stressed the Brussels made a huge mistake by wanting to manage migration instead of stopping it. Hungary, however, insists on its right to make its own decision on whom it allows to enter its territory. 

I think that the UN is the best place to recall international law. International law clearly states that anyone who is forced to flee their home country has the right to temporary asylum in the first safe country, but not in territory of the second, third or fourth country. Therefore Hungary will continue to stop the flow of illegal migration on its borders through which Hungarians basically save Europe from further huge security-related challenges,

Hungary's foreign minister underlined. At the same time, he described it as insane that Hungary has to pay hundreds of millions of euros in fines because of complying with international law.

 Cover photo: Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto (Photo: AFP)