Budapest, March 30, 2017 – Following a meeting with Hungarian government officials yesterday, Central European University (CEU) remains concerned the government does not yet fully realize the implications of the proposed legislation. It remains unclear to CEU why the legislation is necessary, given CEU's full compliance with Hungarian law, and widespread acknowledgement of CEU’s contributions to Hungarian academic life.
President Michael Ignatieff and Pro-Rector for Hungarian Affairs Zsolt Enyedi met with Minister of State for Education Laszlo Palkovics last evening.
“We are willing to remain in dialogue with the government but cannot accept the tabled legislation as a basis for discussion,” Ignatieff said. “We reiterated and continue to reiterate our call for the government to withdraw this legislation and enter into negotiations to find a solution.”
CEU welcomed the statement of concern issued by the U.S. Embassy yesterday. Ignatieff will be traveling to Washington D.C. on Sunday to represent CEU’s case to U.S. lawmakers and media.
CEU COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
COLLEEN SHARKEY | International Media Relations Manager
E-mail: sharkeyc@ceu.edu
Phone: +36 1 327-3000 x 2321
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