(updated with Orban)
AMSTERDAM, June 18 (Reuters) – Hungary is ready to support the nomination of Mark Rutte as the next NATO secretary general, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Tuesday on the X messaging service, lifting one of the final obstacles to the appointment of the former Dutch Prime Minister at the head of the Atlantic alliance.
Citing sources, NOS and RTL previously reported that Viktor Orban had not reiterated to Mark Rutte his demand for an apology for what he described last month as “problematic” views on Hungary.
This apology was one of two conditions set by Hungary to approve the appointment of Mark Rutte as Jens Stoltenberg’s successor at the head of NATO.
The second – ensuring that Hungary would not have to provide funds to Ukraine or send personnel there – was satisfied last week by Jens Stoltenberg.
France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States support Mark Rutte for the succession of Jens Stoltenberg, who will leave his post at the head of NATO in October. Turkey also announced its agreement in April.
Romania and Slovakia were the last members yet to give the green light, but Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Tuesday his country was ready to support Mark Rutte’s candidacy.
With NATO making its decisions by consensus, any candidate must garner the support of all 32 allies. (Written by Benoit Van Overstraeten, French version Leo Marchandon, edited by Blandine Hénault)
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