Rumen Radev in Brussels: A Year after the Beginning of the War between Russia and Ukraine, the Focus Should Be on Its Cessation and on Efforts for a Peaceful Solution
2023-02-09 12:48:00
Bulgaria to impose veto if sanctions over Russia-Ukraine war extend to nuclear energy
It is time, one year since the start of the bloody war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, to focus primarily on measures to stop it and to resume all diplomatic efforts in search of a peaceful solution, President Rumen Radev told the media in Brussels today before the start of the extraordinary European Council meeting. The head of State pointed out that Bulgaria would continue to support, within its capabilities, those suffering from the war in the conflict zones, especially during the critical winter months, as well as Ukrainian refugees on Bulgarian territory.
I will call on the EU to use all its power and instruments so that we can lead the debate in the direction of a cessation of hostilities and of diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution, Rumen Radev stressed.
Asked about the possibility of the EU including nuclear fuel in the next package of sanctions, the President recalled that he had repeatedly expressed this country's position on the issue in Brussels, which directly affects Bulgaria's energy and economy. We cannot accept sanctions in the nuclear energy sector and if necessary we will veto it, the head of State stressed.
The caretaker government implemented the decision of the 48th National Assembly to provide arms from the reserves of the Bulgarian armed forces to Ukraine and I hope that this will not be allowed in the future, the President said in response to a question. This is a bloody war and we hear voices for peace less and less often. We only hear the voices of arms; we only hear calls for victory without anyone being able to define now what victory means, the head of state added.
Illegal migration is a problem not only for security but also for the democratic foundations of the EU, Rumen Radev said. The President pointed out that Bulgaria is making huge efforts. It has invested big budget funds in infrastructure along the border, technical systems for surveillance and control, as well as for security. However, our resources are insufficient. That is why in recent months we have been actively engaged in diplomatic activity at all levels for greater solidarity and support not only for Bulgaria but for all the countries on the front line, because the protection of the external borders is not only our commitment; it should be the commitment of all the Member States, he stressed.
Rumen Radev said that this country had already provided clear estimates to the European Commission for strengthening the protection of the Bulgarian border. Due to our diplomatic efforts, more and more leaders are in favour of a stronger support for Bulgaria in securing the external European borders. Just a few days ago, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also noted that investing in securing the Bulgarian-Turkish border should be a priority. That is why President Radev will propose a pilot project to strengthen the protection of the Bulgarian-Turkish border with EU funding.
Rumen Radev also stressed that the issue of the European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) is not on the agenda of the European Council meeting, but it will definitely be raised there. The problems with the RNM outline in general the EU's approach to our future as a union, which is based on values and principles, the President said. The head of State recalled that over the past two years he had defended this country's position at all European forums, including by vetoing, so that the seriousness of this problem is understood in all its depth. Bulgaria's position on this issue is in fact the adequate European position and it is the one that found a place in the negotiating framework for the RNM, Rumen Radev further stressed.
The head of State pointed out that the aggression and the escalating anti-Bulgarian campaign in the RNM are already leading to hate crimes – arson attacks, shooting at cultural clubs, physical violence against Macedonian Bulgarians and Bulgarian citizens. I expect a firm institutional response from the authorities in the Republic of North Macedonia and immediate actions to identify the perpetrators, and take adequate investigative action to punish them accordingly. Unfortunately, I do not see the necessary political will, Rumen Radev said. In his words, there is a discrepancy between the ambitions of the Republic of North Macedonia and the commitments to establish democratic norms in the country and the reality in which the Macedonian Bulgarians live.
Denying the problem of respect for the rights of the Macedonian Bulgarians only prolongs its resolution, leads to new violence, and an atmosphere of impunity. Hence, it stimulates hate crimes, the head of State stated. That is why Radev will call on the European Union to impose monitoring and guarantees for the observance of the rights of the Macedonian Bulgarians in the RNM.
RNM's EU membership negotiations can start when the Bulgarians are included in the constitution of our neighbour. They have not been inscribed so far and negotiations have not started, the President further said in response to a question whether Bulgaria is ready to veto the start of the RNM negotiating process again.
