MFA Press Release
12 February 2016 News
In connection with the strong public interest towards the information that appeared first in Turkish media about ban to travel to the Republic of Turkey on Ahmed Demir Dogan and Delyan Slavchev Peevski, Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Poriazov has held a series of talks with Turkish Ambassador Süleyman Gökçe to request Turkey’s official position on the matter.
Yesterday the Turkish Ambassador assured that there has been no announcement by an official Turkish institution on this topic. Ambassador Gökçe was unable to confirm or deny that such a decision has been taken. He also would not provide any comment on the Turkish media reports.This information was presented by Deputy Minister Poriazov at today's hearing at the National Assembly.
In another conversation later today Ambassador Gökçe largely confirmed yesterday’s information. He said that no Turkish institution would be making any official statements on the matter. Deputy Minister Valentin Poriazov has told the Ambassador that this position suggests certain contradictions arising from the initial reports of the Turkish Embassy to the Bulgarian media. Nevertheless, we accept the right of Turkey, in accordance with its domestic law, not to provide information about decisions of this kind. At the same time, according to Bulgaria, the relations between Bulgaria and Turkey as friends and partners suggest exchange of information on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.