(ANSA) - TRIESTE - "We're urging the government of Hungary to suspend implementation of the law". The Us State Department spokesman has called on Budapest to stop the higher education law that Washington says threatens the continued operation of the Hungarian university founded by Us financier George Soros, Reuters reported. The law could also threaten the operations of other American universities with degree programs in Hungary, State Departement added. Meanwhile, the European Union is launching an investigation of Hungary's law. Eu Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans said that the probe will look into any negative impact that the new law might have on Eu principles of the free movement of goods, services, money and people. He says the investigation would be completed "as soon as possible" and that the commission would consider what steps to take next by the end of April.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a critic of liberal civil organizations funded by the Hungarian-born Soros, has said the Central European University had violated regulations in awarding diplomas, an allegation the college rejects. Critics say the law is part of a wider crackdown on non-government organizations linked to Soros.