„Hungary’s diplomatic work during the Libyan conflict—and U.S. gratitude–may mean a stronger case for the country as it seeks a temporary seat in the United Nations Security Council.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi received a formal letter of gratitude from his American counterpart, Hillary Clinton, for Hungary’s diplomatic activity during the recent military operation in Libya. Hungary’s embassy in Tripoli was among the few that wasn’t fully evacuated and continued to serve, providing assistance in the release of captured journalists and the handling of casualties of other nationalities. The Tripoli embassy became the representative of some 50 countries that decided to airlift their own personnel out of the violence-torn North African country.
»Please accept my deepest gratitude for the assistance provided by the Hungarian Embassy in Tripoli to U.S. citizens during the period your country served as the protecting power for the United States«, Mrs. Clinton wrote, thanking Hungarian diplomats for their role in evacuating U.S. nationals after President Barack Obama decided to close the U.S. embassy in February.
This note may be just what Hungary needs in the closing stages of its bid to hold a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council next year. Hungary is competing with Slovenia and Azerbaijan for the seat. Even though the government continues to lobby and express confidence at every step of the way saying Hungary enjoys significant support, they have admitted that Hungary is not a surefire winner.”