Serbia 'shocked' by Hungary plan to build antimigrant fence
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 June 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia 'shocked' by Hungary plan to build antimigrant fence, 17 June 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55b5f3d86.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 17, 2015
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic says he is "surprised and shocked" by the Hungarian government's plan to close the border with Serbia and erect a fence along the shared border to keep out illegal migrants.
"I am surprised and shocked. We will discuss this decision with our Hungarian colleagues," Vucic told Serbian state TV during a visit to Oslo.
Earlier on June 17, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the government instructed the Interior Ministry to "begin preparation work for a 4-meter-high fence along the length" of the 175-kilometer border.
"Immigration is one of the most serious problem facing the European Union today," Szijjarto told journalists. "The EU's countries seek a solution, but Hungary cannot afford to wait any longer."
The number of migrants and asylum seekers entering Hungary, mostly across the southern border with Serbia, has sky-rocketed since the second half of 2014.
Officials said that so far this year, some 54,000 migrants had entered Hungary, up from 43,000 in 2014 and 2,150 in 2012.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
