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World Jewish Congress Urges Ban on Neo-Nazi Parties

The World Jewish Congress (WJC) urged Europe's governments to consider a ban on far-right parties Tuesday at the end of a three-day conference held in Budapest.

The WJC, which represents Jewish communities outside Israel, adopted a resolution calling on governments in Europe to "consider banning neo-Nazi parties or organizations whose aim is to overthrow the democratic order, or which pose a threat to the safety and well-being of ethnic, religious or other minorities."

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Jewish Meeting Highlights anti-Semitism in Hungary

Right-wing extremists shout Nazi salutes and attack a man they believe is Jewish. Black-booted militants frighten aging Holocaust survivors. Writings of authors linked to a pro-Nazi regime are recommended reading for school children. Hungary is seeing a rise in anti-Semitism, something the prime minister is now vowing to fight.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban told a gathering of Jewish representatives Sunday that anti-Semitism is "unacceptable and intolerable." The meeting of the World Jewish Congress is being held in Budapest to draw attention to a rise in anti-Semitism in this Eastern European country. Here's a look at recent developments:

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Hungarian PM Meets Suleiman, Miqati: There Can Be No Stability in Region without Stable Lebanon

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban highlighted on Thursday the importance of Lebanon's role in the Middle East, while hoping to bolster ties Lebanese-Hungarian ties.

He said after meeting Premier Najib Miqati at the Grand Serail: “There can be no stability in the region without a stable Lebanon.”

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Central Bank Succession Rumours Hit Hungarian Forint

Hungary's currency the forint fell Wednesday following a report that Economy Minister Gyorgy Matolcsy, seen as something of an economic maverick, is set to take over as governor of the central bank.

On Wednesday morning, the forint traded at 294.16 against the euro compared to 291.77 on Tuesday evening.

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IMF Urges Hungary to Change Economic Policy

The International Monetary Fund urged Hungary on Monday to shift its economic policy, warning the government's frequent and unpredictable tax policy changes had undermined efforts cut the deficit and attain growth.

"A new policy course is needed to deliver the required medium-term fiscal adjustment in a sustainable way to support growth and confidence...," the IMF said in a statement following a review mission in Budapest.

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Hungary Referendum on Hitler-Ally Park Name Fails

Residents of a small Hungarian town failed to stop a park from taking on the name of the country's Nazi-allied wartime leader, after too few voters turned out for a Sunday referendum.

The park in Gyomro, on the outskirts of Budapest, was named after Miklos Horthy last year following a motion by the far-right nationalist Jobbik party, the third-largest in parliament.

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Hungary Closes Embassy in Damascus

Hungary on Wednesday became the latest country to close its embassy in Syria due to security concerns.

"Due to the situation in Syria, the Hungarian Embassy in Damascus has suspended its activities as of December 5, 2012, and its diplomats have left the country," the foreign ministry said on its website.

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Obese NY Traveler Dies Awaiting Plane Big Enough to Fly Home

A hugely obese New York woman visiting her native Hungary died while trying to find a plane to fly her home, and her family is reportedly suing airlines that had balked, citing her size.

Janos Soltesz and his wife Vilma, an ill woman from the Bronx, visited their native Hungary but could not get back in October when Delta and KLM said that, at more than 400 pounds (180 kilos), she was too large to fit in a seat.

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Miqati from Hungary: I Am Keen on Preventing Anything that May Cause Chaos in Lebanon

Prime Minister Najib Miqati kicked off on Tuesday an official visit to Hungary where he met with its President Janos Ader, Speaker Laszlo Kover, his counterpart Viktor Orban, and members of the Lebanese diaspora.

Miqati said after meeting Oraban that he had “sensed his complete support for the Lebanese government's policy, especially since Lebanon is at the center of the storms raging in the Middle East.”

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Miqati Heads to Bulgaria and Hungary to Consolidate Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Najib Miqati traveled to Bulgaria and Hungary on Sunday to discuss with officials ways to consolidate bilateral political and economic relations, his press office said.

Miqati will hold talks with his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borissov, Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva and Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov on Monday.

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