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Hungarian suspension of EU asylum rule "unacceptable": Austrian FM

Xinhua, June 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday called the decision by the Hungarian government to suspend a key EU regulation in the processing of asylum seekers "unacceptable."

Hungary on Tuesday suspended the Dublin Regulation that stipulates that an asylum seeker's claim lies with the first EU country they enter, claiming the country was overburdened with illegal immigration.

In a telephone conversation with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto, Kurz relayed the Austrian position that the decision would have "negative consequences" and that it was something "Austria cannot tolerate."

Both Kurz's ministry, and the Austrian ministry of the interior, on Tuesday evening called on the European Commission to examine the possibility of infringement proceedings.

Minister of the Interior Johnna Mikl-Leitner was also incensed by Hungary's decision, claiming those who wanted a Europe without borders must stick to the Schengen Agreement, which includes holding to the Dublin Regulation. Austria was also prepared to help Hungary, she added, with 40 Austrian police officers currently stationed on the Hungarian-Serbian border.

Additionally, Mikl-Leitner said she was awaiting an immediate reaction to the Hungarian move by the European Commission. Endit