NAN-F-29
University
Washington, April 12, 2017 (Reuters/NAN) U.S. on Wednesday called on Hungary to suspend implementation of a law that threatens the continued operation of a Budapest University founded by U.S. financier George Soros.
Hungarian President Janos Ader had signed the legislation on Monday in spite street protests against it in Budapest and condemnation abroad.
Another mass rally against the law is planned to cum up later on Wednesday.
“We’re urging the government of Hungary to suspend implementation of the law,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a critic of liberal civil organisations funded by the Hungarian-born Soros, said the Central European University had violated regulations in awarding diplomas, an allegation the college rejects.
“We want to see a review and discussion in order to address any concerns through dialogue with the university itself and other affected institutions going forward,” Toner said.
“The law could also threaten the operations of other American universities with degree programs in Hungary,’’ he said.
Orban’s government has said the aim of the new legislation was to address administrative shortcomings of foreign universities in Hungary.
However, critics say the law is part of a wider crackdown on non-government organisations linked to Soros.
Hungary faced criticism from the U.S. and Brussels on Tuesday over the new law.
The U.S. diplomat in the region said the impact of the legislation on the Central European University (CEU) was a concern.
The European Union’s executive commission said it would be the subject of a debate on Wednesday. (Reuters/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Grace Yussuf