‘There is no alternative to peace,’ Hungarian President Katalin Novák emphasized in her speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York on Tuesday.
The President of the Hungary added: ‘This war directly affects us, Hungarians. It’s not just happening in our neighbouring country; Hungarian fathers and sons living in Ukraine are also sacrificing their lives in the trenches.’
‘Therefore, we want peace. In our country, in Ukraine, in Europe, in the world. Peace and the security that comes with it,’ the President stated.
She noted that peace can only become a real possibility ‘when at least one party realizes that the time for negotiations has come.’ She added: ‘We cannot decide on behalf of the Ukrainians how much sacrifice they are willing to make, but it is our duty to represent our nation’s desire for peace.’ The Hungarian President delivered her address approximately 15 minutes after the speech of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine.
As the leader of the Hungarian delegation, the President underlined that Hungary
unequivocally condemns the violation of international law and the attack on another state.
She underscored: ‘Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has caused immense suffering and devastation, shattering the previously peaceful life of Europe.’ Hungary stands by the victims and opposes further escalation, she said, which is why it is providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and refugees, above and beyond its size and strength.
Hungary supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence and understands Ukraine’s desire to be part of the community of European nations. Therefore, it expects the representation of all the values that characterize the European community, as stated by the President. She pointed out that the suffering caused by the war primarily affects families, and having visited Kyiv twice at the invitation of the Ukrainian President since the outbreak of the war, she personally witnessed what families go through when peace is shattered.
The Hungarian President also touched upon the demographic challenges facing the world. She believed that if the world does not address population issues, that will have an immeasurable impact on economies, societies, and global security in the near future. She drew attention to the recent Fifth Budapest Demographic Summit, ‘the most significant international forum on demographic issues,’ which saw the participation of state leaders, thinkers, and experts from 60 countries on five continents. The summit’s message was that
pro-family forces will continue to stand up for their values and interests.
‘If there are no children, there is no future. What is the point of caring for the Earth if we have no children and grandchildren to pass it on to?’, she asked, emphasizing that Hungarians believe the solution to the demographic crisis is the strengthening and supporting of families. Hungary defends the freedom of parents, and it firmly stands by the idea that the right to raise children belongs to parents, not the state, NGOs, media, or the information industry, Novák declared.
She emphasized that anyone who becomes a parent is ready to fight at any time for their children to live in peace and freedom. Hungary recognizes that the family is the cornerstone of security, and strong, united, and healthy families are the guarantee of security.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/Sándor Palace/MTI
