Hungarian MEP Csaba Tabajdi has welcomed that the new president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, on Tuesday expressed readiness to mediate in settling Hungarian-Slovak tensions.

Tabajdi said the Buzek was ready to help settle the conflict that has developed among the ethnic Hungarians and the majority of the Slovak society.

The new EP president indicated in his inaugural address that, if need be, he would help in efforts aimed at settling the debate between Hungarian and Slovakia on minority rights along the lines of European values.

Tabajdi (Socialist) said the EP head's initiative was "historic".

"This is the first time that the head of a European institution is facing up to the problems of national minorities and offering to help instead of sweeping them under the carpet." said Tabajdi.