Daniel Mitov held talks with the Chairman of the Association of Bulgarians in Ukraine
25 August 2014 News
Bulgaria is well aware that the Bulgarian community in Ukraine is directly affected by the ongoing crisis. We follow closely the developments and expect to see an improvement of the situation of Bulgarians in Ukraine and full respect of their rights, including the status of the Bulgarian language at regional level, said Minister Daniel Mitov at today’s meeting with Anton Kisse, chairman of the Association of Bulgarians in Ukraine and Deputy at the Verkhovna Rada.
Anton Kisse said that the Bulgarian community in Ukraine has always felt the strong moral support of Bulgaria, regardless of the change of governments.The ability to maintain constant contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serve as an affirmation of that.
The two sides expressed hope that the August 26 talks in Minsk between the presidents of Ukraine and the Russian Federation would help find a political solution to the crisis. Russia needs to emerge as a constructive factor in the efforts towards achieving lasting peace, said Minister Mitov.
The EU and Bulgaria expect Ukrainian authorities to show political will for reform. Bulgaria is ready to provide the necessary expert help and to share both the positive and the negative experience gained on its path to European integration which may be valuable for Ukraine, added Daniel Mitov.
The Foreign Minister reiterated the Bulgaria’s support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Anton Kisse dismissed as unfounded the allegations that members of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine support the separatist actions.