Hungarian President Lászlo Sólyom, who is on a two-day state visit in Finland, exchanged views with Halonen about the future of the European Union and about the Kosovo situation, among other issues.

For historical reasons, Hungary would like to take part in the efforts to stabilise the Balkans.

At a joint press conference, Halonen gave an assurance that both countries supported a strong Europe and were interested in putting the European Constitution into force. Both heads of state agreed that the countries interested in joining the Union, as well as its present member states, should give up restrictions that prevent free movement of labour within the Union.

The presidents also deliberated the cooperation possibilities of the Finno-Ugric peoples within the context of the EU. Sólyom arrived in Helsinki from Tallinn, where he had had negotiations with the Estonian leadership.

Next month there will be a parliamentary election in Hungary, but none of the large parties have brought up the question of dual citizenship for Hungarian minorities abroad, president Sólyom confirmed. Last year there was a referendum in Hungary concerning dual citizenship, but the entire vote was nullified because of the low turnout percentage.

There are considerable Hungarian minorities for example in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and the Ukraine. The position of these minority groups has caused a lot of tension between Hungary and its neighbours in recent years.

According to Sólyom, the dual citizenship arrangement would be a mere symbolic gesture for the Hungarians living within the EU, but for the rest it might bring concrete benefits.

"The position of the Finnish Swedes is our ideal", Sólyom pointed out.

Extract from: Helsingin Sanomat