Monument to Soviet soldiers to be restored and erected on same spot in Budapest

The monument to Soviet soldiers in Budapest's Szabadsag Square, which was dismantled due to the reconstruction of the square, will be restored and erected on the same spot, Dr. Erno Keskeny, Hungary's Ambassador to Russia, said in his interview with RIA Novosti.

According to the official, the reconstruction works in Szabadsag Square will be over this autumn. As far as the destiny of the monument to Soviet soldiers, who perished in World War II, is concerned, "the official stand of the Hungarian authorities remains unchanged - when the work is over, the memorial must be restored in its original form and set up on the same spot," the ambassador stated. The word was pledged by the Hungarian former cabinet's defence minister on behalf of the government and the corresponding decision was made by competent local authorities, the official reminded.

"The only change in the scheme is that the Austrian firm in charge of the reconstruction works is to restore the monument and hand it over to the city," the Hungarian diplomatic mission head pointed out.

In response to the Hungarian side's official address the Russian government gave its consent to the dismantling of the memorial to Soviet soldiers, who were killed liberating Hungary from fascism, for the time being. The Russian side implied at the same time that the monument should be installed unchanged and on the same spot without delay, as soon as it was restored.