Defence Minister: Army ready to build border fence

Budapest, July 16 (MTI) – The Hungarian army has “all the skills needed” to build a fence along Hungary’s border with Serbia to stem the massive inflow of illegal migrants, Defence Minister Csaba Hende said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Morahalom, near the border, where a “sample section” of the fence is being built, Hende said that 900 soldiers were involved in the construction, adding that the deadline to complete the fence is November 30.

Hende said construction was likely to begin in 10-12 different locations.

Interior Minister Sandor Pinter noted that 81,333 illegal migrants had arrived in Hungary this year alone.

Pinter said the government had taken the decision to erect the fence based on “European practices”, adding that it would decide on the technology to use in the construction by next Tuesday.

He said the materials used for the construction were being prepared by prison inmates, with the defence ministry responsible for coordinating the project. He said the interior ministry could also employ government fostered workers, if needed.