BUDAPEST, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had been constructive and covered several issues, but some problems had remained unresolved, Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party (EPP) group, told here on Tuesday.
"Today with Prime Minister Viktor Orban we had talks in a constructive atmosphere, but problems are not yet solved. We still have to assess, still have to discuss matters among the EPP party members before making any decisions," Weber told journalists before his visit to the Great Synagogue of Budapest.
He said: "It is clear that the EPP has fundamental values and these are not negligible for us. They have to be respected by all EPP party members and also by Fidesz."
"One aspect is that we have to respect the freedom of science. Also here in Budapest, that is why the continuation of the work of the Central European University (CEU) is a key element for future cooperation," he told.
"The second element is also crystal clear for us: we don't allow any further any anti Brussels anti EU posters and campaigning here in Budapest. The posters must be replaced, also for the future it must be most guaranteed that this anti-Brussels campaigning does not continue," he added.
The EPP leader noted that during his route to the capital from the airport, he saw that the controversial posters depicting European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had been removed: "That is a positive sign," Weber remarked.
"The third element is only an internal party element for us in the EPP, it would be a good way to work together if Viktor Orban would apologize for the burden and the problems he was creating for other EPP parties and countries, and show the readiness to apologize ... would be a good step also," Weber explained.
"I am a politician who wants to build bridges, create solutions for the future of Europe. I am not interested in conflicts. That is why I am here. Let's see how the next days will develop, whether we can find an agreement or not," he concluded.
Earlier this month, Weber outlined three conditions that Hungary's ruling Fidesz party would have to fulfill in order to remain in the European People's Party.
First, Orban must "immediately and definitively end his government's campaign against Brussels," secondly, he must apologize to all EPP member parties and finally, allow the CEU to remain in Budapest.
EPP party members are having a meeting scheduled for March 20 to decide on the fate of Fidesz.
