Klaus denies Hungary comment

President Václav Klaus says reports of remarks he made accusing Hungary of expansionism in its language dispute with Slovakia were a "total misinterpretation."

But Klaus did say he was "observing with concern" the ambitions of Budapest to exert its influence "toward Hungarian minorities abroad."

"Regarding my statements, in the short and simplified version published by the Czech News Agency and most likely wrongly translated into English, I would only like to add that I said this: I have been observing in the long term, with a certain concern, the ambitions of Hungary to extend its influence over the board toward Hungarian minorities abroad," Klaus wrote to The Prague Post in an e-mail.

"I did not say anything about territorial expansion. That is a total misinterpretation."

Slovakia introduced a law Sept. 1 that fines people, after a written warning, for speaking other languages in public buildings.

The law was introduced to boost the use of Slovak in official matters in areas where there is a large ethnic minority. There are large pockets of ethnic Hungarians in southern Slovakia, and many see the new law as discriminatory.

Klaus says he has a natural bond with Slovakia.

"I undoubtedly feel a great deal of loyalty toward our partner in the former state called Czechoslovakia," Klaus said. "I do not know how far [Hungary is] trying to influence abroad, but, in this sense, I understand the Slovak position."

Klaus did however stop short of expressing full support for the amended Slovak language law, even issuing an appeal for the two countries to ease tensions.

"Another thing is I do not want to assess if the Slovaks took the ideal step. I do not want to assess each word or sentence in the language law, but I understand why it came into existence. I do not advocate each definition. ... I think it is impossible that one side only puts pressure and the other side defends itself. The point is, when being defensive, one may make mistakes from time to time. So, in this sense, it is necessary to back off. "

Tom Clifford can be reached at
tclifford@praguepost.com