Preconditions for EU & IMF talks

Ensuring the independence of the central bank (NBH) and guaranteeing the normal functioning of the judiciary are preconditions for the start of formal talks with the IMF and the EU on financial assistance for Hungary, said Commissioner László Andor. He stated that unless the related laws are actually changed the EU will certainly not sit down to the negotiating table.

Andor's words on Hungary's InfoRádió, quoted by portfolio.hu, came after a statement by Hungarian government spokesman András Giró-Szász who told state television MTV on Friday that "there is no precondition whatsoever to starting formal negotiations with the IMF and the European Union on a credit facility for Hungary. The Hungarian government is ready for the talks so these can start any time."

In an interview with InfoRádió, Andor said the spokesman is wrong. “There have been and still are preconditions for the formal aid talks, this was confirmed by Olli Rehn (EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner),” Andor pointed out. He added that according to his knowledge, Rehn had made it clear to Tamás Fellegi, the head of Hungary’s negotiating mission, what these conditions were: guaranteeing the independence of the central bank (NBH) and the normal operation of the judiciary are such preconditions.

Andor underlined that Rehn will accept only the actual modification of the objected laws. Until that happens the formal negotiations will not start, László Andor stated. In his view, however, this does not mean further informal consultations cannot take place. The Hungarian government is free to indicate to Brussels when the concrete steps will be taken.