OMRI DAILY DIGEST
No. 177, 12 September 1996


SPANISH ROYAL COUPLE IN HUNGARY. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia
arrived in Hungary on 10 September for a three-day official visit at the
invitation of Hungarian President Arpad Goncz, international media
reported. The highlight of the king's second trip to Hungary was his
address to the parliament the next day, during which he expressed
support for Hungary's European integration. "Hungary is destined to play
an important role in building the new European security structure," Juan
Carlos said. He also expressed appreciation for Hungary's stand on
relations towards the neighboring countries, but warned that eventual
NATO membership should not lead to further splits. -- Sharon Fisher and
Petronella Gaal

HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT ON RESTITUTION OF JEWISH PROPERTY. Most Hungarian
parties on 11 September agreed on a proposal to handle the restitution
of Jewish property, Hungarian media reported. The proposal states that
restitution will take place in accordance with paragraph 27 of the Paris
Peace Treaty, which stipulates that the Hungarian government must
compensate all victims of racial, religious, or fascist discrimination
and transfer the compensation to the organizations that represent the
victims. The Constitutional Court ruled that parliament had to settle
the issue by 31 December 1993; however, few efforts were made before
1994, when the government of Gyula Horn established a committee to
negotiate with Jewish organizations. In recent discussions, the parties
agreed to create a foundation whose board of trustees will handle the
property transfers. Foreign Affairs State Secretary Istvan Szent-Ivanyi
said the restitution will be partial and gradual. -- Petronella Gaal


[As of 12:00 CET]

Compiled by Saulius Girnius