“We may discuss two topics with Russia – nuclear pact with Iran and the Syrian crisis”, Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Daniel Mitov said in an interview with FOCUS News Agency . He added that there are no new geopolitical realities as some statements and comments by Russian politicians and analysers suggest.
Minister Mitov specified that Bulgaria’s actions are directed in one thing, which is protection of the national interest, which according to the government is guarantee of dignity incomes and security of the Bulgarian citizens and the shortest path for this is full integration with the structures, norms and standards of the European Union and NATO. He recalled the Bulgarian policy towards Russia is explicit.
“Last year after the intensive beginning of the crisis in Ukraine and Crimea’s annexation, Bulgaria declared the following: we should talk with Russia despite the situation. Sanctions are at hand and are connected with the crisis in Ukraine and the implementation of agreements Minsk. The sanctions will not be lifted until the Minsk agreements are not met in full scale. But at the same time talks with Russia must be maintained, there must be communication channels and there are two main issues on which we can talk and we do so. These are the nuclear agreement with Iran and the crisis in Syria. But there is no new geopolitical reality and this must be understood very clearly,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister noted.
Minister Daniel Mitov called the statement made by the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zaharova directed against Bulgarian President Plevneliev "rude" and did not deserve attention.
“We reacted to such statements many times before, although it was not necessary do so every time. President of the Republic of Bulgaria has an undeniable advantage over the country that commented his statements. He was elected in free democratic elections and no one can take away the right of the President of an independent state, delegated by the Sovereign, to articulate these policies. Furthermore, the President has not said anything new. This type of speech exists across the EU and transatlantic community, everyone knows what we mean”, Daniel Mitov said further.
“Since we share same threats with Schengen countries, it is right to enjoy same security conditions they use,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs said.
According to the Minister, activation of terrorist activities, as well as refugee pressure upon Europe is additional argument for the enlargement of the Schengen area.
“Enlargement of the Schengen area would send strong political signal for the EU unity in the fight against illegal migration and terrorism, and Bulgaria is active part of these efforts,” Daniel Mitov said and added that Schengen enlargement would lead to the increase of regional security because of enhanced cooperation and exchange of operational information. He reminded that Bulgaria strictly implements its commitments related to the security of our borders, some of them are external to the EU and our country has proved to be technically prepared for Schengen reliable partner.
“After we share the same threat with Schengen countries, it is right to enjoy the same security conditions thy use. Enhanced security measures at European scale, and increased focus on the control of external borders of the EU is part of the balance of the efforts Bulgaria places, Minister Minitov specified.
He is convinced that the Schengen area should remain and function as it is, and whatever ideas exist in the direction of reformation and restructuring they are untenable.
“We cannot lose our freedoms already won. Enhanced security measures are temporary. Terror cannot change us. Terror and fear cannot form and shape us. We must begin to shape the world around us,” the Foreign Minister noted.
Regarding the place of Bulgaria in the fight against terrorism and resolving the crisis in Syria, Minister Mitov announced that no military involvement in Syria is planned either by Bulgaria or NATO. But our state remains in solidarity with France and will help according to its abilities.
“Agreement between the European Union and Turkey might be signed until the end of the year, if the negotiations continue following the planned course,” Minister Daniel Mitov said.
The Foreign Minister gave as an example that Bulgaria is one of the safest countries in the EU and managed to protect its external borders precisely because of its good dialogue with Turkey.
Daniel Mitov said that after signed expected agreement Turkey would become extremely important partner of the European Union for the control if migration pressure.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister recommended that the agreement should not remain only in the exchange of action on migration flows. According to him, with Turkey can be discussed many other issues such as energy security, visa reciprocity.
He added that Turkey must meet EU standards, but it should be given a chance for a rapid conversation in that direction. He called Turkey a key factor at this point in terms of controlling migration flows and providing effective control of the protection of the external borders of the EU.