August 22nd, 2008

Sólyom expresses regret over Hungary’s role in 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia

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President László Sólyom Thursday expressed his “deep regret” over Hungary’s role in the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Speaking outside the House of Terror museum on the 40th anniversary of the Soviet Bloc invasion of Czechoslovakia, Sólyom said that although the intervention was implemented by sheer force rather than by the will of the people, that does not exonerate Hungarians from responsibility. “We have nothing to celebrate, we have something to be ashamed of,” he declared.

Sólyom said he considers it necessary as the head of state of a free and democratic Hungary to express his deep regret to the peoples of the then Czechoslovakia for the fact that Hungarian troops took part in the occupation in 1968.

Making an apology can remove a thorn, Sólyom remarked, “if we make it obvious that we reassess the former events, if we pronounce the truth and if we restore justice”.

Drawing a parallel with the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia, he said the use of force in contravention of international law must not be a means of asserting great power interests. As a first step, he continued, Russia should implement the truce and withdraw its troops from Georgia without delay.

Education and Culture Minister István Hiller apologised in the name of the government for Hungary’s role in crushing the Prague Spring. He called the intervention “an act of aggression, and an attack against free thinking and action”.

Free Democrat chairman Gábor Fodor said in a statement that the role of Hungarian forces in the occupation of Czechoslovakia was the darkest chapter in the history of Hungary in the past 50 years.

In Prague, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek presented medals to ten foreigners, including Hungarian philosopher Ágnes Heller, for protesting against the occupation of Czechoslovakia at the time.

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3 Comments

  1. Joe says:
    August 22, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    The apology was long overdue. But it’s better late than never.
    Unfortunately, the Soviet Union used the Warsaw Pact to crush the Prague Spring the same way the Americans are using NATO in their illegal war in Afghanistan.

  2. Hatodik Oszlop says:
    August 22, 2008 at 9:15 pm

    “the Americans are using NATO in their illegal war in Afghanistan”
    You sir, are delirious.

  3. NJMagyar says:
    August 23, 2008 at 3:54 am

    “Unfortunately, the Soviet Union used the Warsaw Pact to crush the Prague Spring the same way the Americans are using NATO in their illegal war in Afghanistan”
    *puts on tinfoil hat*