In stating that launch of the Budapest-Baku flight earlier in 2013 as the culmination of two years’ work, Csutora claimed that Hungarian visas to Azerbaijan had increased twofold from the 1,047 issued in 2012 and credited the flight with “sharply increas[ing]” demand. The connection is “very favorable for tourism and business,” Csutora said, and that “The launching of the flight was the historical step between our countries.”
Meanwhile, on the question of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the ambassador noted that diplomatic relations between Hungary and Armenia have yet to be restored. “We support Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity [and] believe that the conflict can be solved peacefully.” Csutora emphasized that “Hungary is a country of friendship and wants to establish equal relations with all.”
Though the autonomous Nagorno-Karabakh Republic governs the area, the United Nations has recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan; Armenian troops have nevertheless remained in the area continuously since the end of the eponymous six-year war there ended with a cease fire in 1994. Over ensuing decades, the Azerbaijani and Armenian governments have been negotiating the region’s and troops’ status under auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group; four UN resolutions have called for the withdrawal of Armenian forces since the 90s.
Last week, Turkey President Abdullah Gul pledged his country’s support for the Azerbaijan position while urging a “peaceful resolution” to the conflict; Azerbaijani politicians, wishing to approach the European Union, have appealed for more input from EU authorities on the matter.
Finally, it should be noted that countries in the region appear to be taking Hungary’s position on the matter very seriously. Lost in the shuffle of the recent “YouTube-gate” scandal involving Lithuanian ambassadors and politicos was disgraced the comment from Lithuania’s ambassador to Hungary, Renatas Juška, that his country “passes on the wishes of Hungary in the name of partnership” because “It is most undesirable that Hungary would spoil relations with anybody.”
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
