HUNGARY: 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000887 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/CT RHONDA SHORE; DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CE JMOORE; PLEASE PASS TO NCTC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC HU SUBJECT: HUNGARY: 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM REF: A. STATE 109980 ¶B. STATE 12273 ¶1. (U) Hungary remained a consistent and reliable counterterrorism partner in 2009. In addition to the continued leadership of a Provincial Reconstruction Team, Hungary sent 28 troops to Afghanistan as part of a new joint Operational, Mentoring, and Liaison team (OMLT). The OMLT, which is commanded by a Hungarian Lieutenant Colonel, includes an equal number of troops from the Ohio National Guard. Additionally, Hungary deployed 40 troops to provide security during the national elections, as well as committing a Special Forces contingent, which operates without caveats with U.S. forces. Currently, Hungary has a total of 324 troops serving in Afghanistan. In response to President Obama's calls for further allied support, Prime Minister Bajnai pledged in December 2009 to add a further 200 soldiers to the Hungarian contingent. In September, the Prime Minister announced that Hungary would accept one detainee from the Guantanamo detention facility. This politically courageous decision was controversial, but won cross-party support. In late November the detainee was transferred to Hungary. In a series of operations, Hungary arrested 19 of the approximately 20-member Hungarian Arrows National Liberation Army, a far-right extremist group suspected of committing or conspiring to commit terrorist acts. The remaining individual is still at large. Although Hungary's legal code does not provide for the designation of domestic terrorist organizations, Hungarian authorities nonetheless carefully monitor potential extremist groups and cosely cooperate with U.S. law enforcement and other agencies. As a Schengen zone country, Hungary continued to manage its border responsibilities, including the increased entry of foreigners seeking asylum. Hungary participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP),and has continued to comply with VWP requirements regarding information sharing and other law enforcement and counterterrorism cooperation. Negotiations on an implementing agreement to formalize this exchange are currently underway, and are expected to conclude successfully in 2010. ¶5. (U) Embassy Budapest POC for this report is Aaron Feit, Economic Officer, feital@state.gov, 36 1 475-4240. LEVINE