The Hungarian Government stands ready to provide immediate aid to the Hungarian community in Ukraine, Foreign Minister János Martonyi declared before the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

Mr Martonyi stated that it was far from the case that the crisis and associated dangers were over. He noted that the situation remained extremely fluid and it is impossible to predict what the next few hours or days will bring, he said. There are, however, several signs that the situation is easing, and the level of danger experienced by the Hungarian community of Transcarpathia has not grown, he said. Originally, the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee was to have been held behind closed doors, but Mr Martonyi asked for the debate to be held openly, saying that political parties and the public alike should be properly briefed.

The Government has already taken measures to fill up the country's gas reservoirs and Hungary has appropriate levels of gas in reserve, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said. He told the committee that "we can feel reassured, not only because it is March, but also because the country has the required reserves and pipelines that ensure the country has more than enough gas supplies in time of need."

On the subject of a possible migration wave into Hungary, Mr Martonyi said he trusted that no one would spread false rumours and raise panic. Nevertheless, the Government and authorities are prepared for every eventuality, he said. The Minister also gave warning that rumours of a general mobilisation in Ukraine should not be given credence, and such rumours had instilled unfounded fears in many young Hungarians living in western Ukraine.

Mr Martonyi said he had conveyed Hungary's concerns to Russia's Ambassador to Budapest, and the diplomat had essentially repeated Russia's standpoint.

The Minister called Ukraine a neighbour of strategic importance that falls under Hungary's regional policy. He said that Hungarians in Transcarpathia are unwilling to speak about autonomy, and during his recent visit to the region they emphatically asked him to convey to all parties their need for calm, peace, security and better economic conditions.

Mr Martonyi said that Ukraine's new constitution to be drafted would probably envisage decentralisation, a trend that would expressly favour the Hungarian community. He added that the Government would support the position that Hungarians in Transcarpathia decided to adopt.

Hungary has vested security and economic interests in Ukraine's security, the Minister said, noting that Hungary's biggest bank is present in Ukraine, several Hungarian companies strongly rely on sales to the Ukrainian market, and Ukraine, as a transit country, plays a key role in Hungary's gas and energy supply.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)