The Szekler National Council builds relations in Basque Country

Answering the invitation of the Basque National Party (Euzko Alderdi Jeltzalea), the four member delegation of the Szekler National Council led by president Izsák Balázs arrived in Bilbao. On Tuesday, september the 10th, the guests were welcommed in the party’s headquarters by president Iñigo Urkullu, board members Iñaki Goikoetxeta and Aitor Olaizola as well as external relations coordinator José Mari Etxebarria. The delegation included Árus Zsolt, president of the Szekler Council of Gyergyószék, Bakk Miklós political scientist and university professor, adviser of the president of the Szekler National Council, and Dabis Attila the Szekler National Council representative for foreign affairs.

Izsák Balázs presented to the hosts the Szekler people’s aspiration for self-determination, and handed them the draft of Szeklerland’s Autonomy statute, along with Szeklerland’s flag and map. The leaders of the Basque National Party handed to the guests the party’s program booklet and spoke them about Basque country’s current political situation and the upcoming elections.

During the meeting they discussed about the possibility of cooperation between the Basque National Party and the Szekler National Council and of course, the Szekler National Council’s European Citizens' Initiative for the protection of National Regions has also been brought up. The hosts promised to analyze the initiative, and to begin intensive cooperation after the elections are over.

Subsequently, the Szekler National Council’s delegation visited the City Hall of Bilbao, where they were greeted by Deputy Mayor Ibone Bengoetxea Otaolea, President of the Association of Local Government of the Basque Country and city manager Andoni Aldekoa.

At the headquarter of Bizkaia Regional Government, Vice President Juan Mari Aburto presented to the guests the fiscal agreement between the central government and Basque Country, which is considered an important element of Basque autonomy.

In the afternoon, José Mari Etxebarria guided the Szekler delegation to Vitoria-Gasteiz, where they visited the Basque parliament.

The Szekler National Council Press Office

Sepsiszentgyörgy, September the 11th 2012.