NEWS

 

Where is the Bulgaria that was the first to react to all the important problems in the region and was the first to provide support, the Head of State said during a briefing to Bulgarian journalists in Sarajevo

 

My appeal to the Bulgarian politicians and parties is to solve their internal problems as soon as possible and to bring Bulgaria back where it belongs - in the Balkans, in a wider regional perspective and in Europe. We have proven that we can lead with constructive policies. We have proven that we can initiate important processes. This is what President Rumen Radev told journalists in Sarajevo. The Bulgarian Head of State is on a two-day official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina at the invitation of Denis Becirovic, the country's Chairman of the Presidency.

 

The Head of State laid flowers at the memorial plaque, which symbolises Bosnia and Herzegovina's gratitude for Bulgaria being the first to recognise its independence in 1992. 

 

My question to the Bulgarian parties and politicians is, where is this Bulgaria? Where was left this Bulgaria, which was the first to react to all the important problems in the region, which led in decision-making and was the first to support? Where was the Bulgaria that initiated the SEECP - the South-East European Cooperation Process, Radev asked and stressed that it is high time our country put aside the internal discords and contradictions. In the President's words, it is of paramount importance that Bulgaria regains its leading role in the Balkans, thus generating policies and solutions, and not just following an already set general framework of behaviour regarding the issues and problems that concern the region.

 

In Bosnia and Herzegovina they look at Bulgaria as a worthy, strong member of NATO and the EU, they look at us with hope that we will support, help and lead, the Head of State explained, adding that our country has repeatedly proven its potential to lead constructive policies and initiate important processes.

 

Asked to comment on the reputation of the Bulgarian military participating in EUFOR's stabilisation operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President said that they have received high praise for their professionalism and their presence in this part of the region testifies that Bulgaria is aware of how important security and stability are for Southeast Europe. I can say that the situation is calm and stable, but in order to minimise the risks ALTHEA will continue. And Bulgaria, as a responsible member of this mission, will continue its presence here, the President further said.

 

Radev stressed that Bulgaria continues to help the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina so that they reach a higher standard in their training and on their way to NATO membership, although there is still no political consensus in the country to join the alliance. The President gave the example of Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia as countries in the Western Balkans that are already NATO members and at the same time are struggling for EU membership. I encourage the authorities here to reconsider and if there is consensus on the European perspective, to think first about their Euro-Atlantic perspective, the Head of State added.

 

Asked to comment on the information that the director of the military police service had received life threats, Rumen Radev ruled out the possibility that this was related to the investigation into the air crash at the Graf Ignatievo base. Threats to anyone's life are unacceptable in Bulgaria. I think that all the competent authorities will react immediately and any attempts to make threats will be stopped because this does not speak well for us, the President further said.

 

On the second day of his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radev held meetings with the High Representative of the international community in the country, Christian Schmidt, with members of the two chambers of the Parliamentary Assembly, and with the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo. Later, the Head of State visited the Butmir military base, where he was acquainted with the activities of the EU operation EUFOR ALTHEA and held talks with the Bulgarian service people participating in the mission.