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Hungary demands Austria act over river pollution

Other News Materials 6 February 2008 03:13 (UTC +04:00)

( dpa ) - Hungary's environment minister on Tuesday demanded that neighbouring Austria act to end the pollution of a river that flows from Austria into Hungary.

Hungary and Austria have been involved in a long-running spat over the Raba River, called the Raab in Austria, which Hungary says is being polluted by a leather-tanning factory in Wollsdorf, Austria.

"Our patience has come to an end," Gabor Fodor said in a statement. " Austria has to finally ensure a satisfactory solution."

Fodor released his statement after a visit to the river in the town of Szentgotthard, western Hungary, near the border between the two European Union nations.

Recent samples showed that the amount of leather-tanning chemicals in the river had increased almost threefold in less than five years, he said.

The chemical creates a scummy, off-white foam on the surface of the river.

Austria last summer agreed to end excessive pollution by the factory after Hungary's president called the neighbouring state "cynical" for its stance on the issue.

At the same time, Austria said that the factory's water treatment facilities were up to standard and that the river's water quality met environmental standards.

Fodor said he was prepared to negotiate about the tanning factory and called for the two nations' environmental committees to meet on February 20.

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