2006 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM: HUNGARY

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000011 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/CT - RHONDA SHORE; PLEASE PASS TO NCTC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER KPAO KHLS KCRM EFIN AEMR ASEC HU SUBJECT: 2006 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM: HUNGARY REF: SECSTATE 175925 ¶1. (U) Hungarian authorities remain fully supportive of the GWOT, including through its deployment of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. The Hungarian government also supports USG initiatives against al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations both within its borders and abroad. The Hungarian government continues to fully implement domestic legislation to ensure compliance with EU norms re financial transactions and money laundering. ¶2. (U) Hungary is not a safe haven for terrorists. The Hungarian government closely monitors potential extremists. There are no known terrorist groups operating openly in Hungary. ¶3. (U) The Hungarian government has maintained its commitment to safeguarding Americans and U.S. interests. Officials maintain a close dialogue with US officials on terrorism and continue to express their willingness to take legal action against those tied to terrorist organizations. There have been no terrorist acts against American nationals or U.S. interests. ¶4. (U) Cooperation with U.S. and regional officials on export and border controls remains outstanding as Hungary continues preparations to join the Schengen zone. Throughout 2006, Hungarian officials aggressively developed and pursued leads to cooperate with U.S. officials in preventing the transshipment of hazardous materials. Efforts to improve its technical ability to trace and control dangerous materials continue, consistent with its EU membership. ¶5. (U) Embassy POC for Terrorism issues is Political Counselor Eric V. Gaudiosi (GaudiosiEV2@state.gov; Embassy Budapest Extension 4670) REEKER