site.btaAfrica Day Celebrated in Sofia with Traditional Music, Clothes, Food

Sofia, May 26 (BTA) - The Bulgarian capital celebrated Africa Day with traditional African rhythms, clothes, jewels and food. The Organisation of African Unity also marked its 55th anniversary on Saturday. The thematic event, Africa in Bulgaria, brought together the diplomats of the African countries accredited to Bulgaria.

Vice President Iliana Iotova said at the opening: "Talking about Africa today we feel pain and sadness, because we have not done away with poverty and misery, but we also feel hope. Unfortunately, a huge migrant wave is setting off from Africa for the other continents because young people there see no future for themselves." Besides addressing Africa's humanitarian needs, Europe should think about investments and support for local businesses, said Iotova.

South Africa's Ambassador Vanessa Calvert, the doyen of the Africa Group, said that Bulgaria has traditionally good relations with the African countries.

Ambassador Calvert told BTA the world is faced with the same challenges. Nelson Mandela's legacy of peace should be high on people's minds today, and there can be no compromise about peace.

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Asked by reporters if Bulgaria can expect Russian investments in the wake of President Rumen Radev's visit to Russia, Iotova said that a restart of the Belene nuclear power plant project would first have to be approved by the National Assembly.

Iotova elaborated that Parliament should make a decision and give a clear mandate about the Belene N-plant project. She said she knew of three options for the project, including one where the plant would be built by a foreign investor without a state guarantee. If Parliament approves this option, this will be the Prime Minister's mandate. She was referring to Boyko Borissov's upcoming visit to Moscow where he is expected to talk with President Vladimir Putin.

Only after the first step - a decision by Parliament -  is made, the Prime Minister will be able to lead a delegation of ministers to the negotiating table where it will be seen if the terms are acceptable or not.