site.btaParty Leader Karadayi: MRF Is Opposition to Government, Not to Bulgarian EU Presidency

Sofia, May 17 (BTA) - Speaking at a working breakfast with heads of state and government from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) here on Thursday, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader Mustafa Karadayi said his party is an opposition to the Bulgarian Government, not to the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency. The MRF shares the priorities of the EU and the Bulgarian EU Presidency, he added as quoted by his party's press office.

"We have the longest Euro-Atlantic biography, for us the EU is a union of values and we consider this a cause. We have not made and do not make compromises with values," Karadayi underscored. He recalled that his party has been insisting for a long time on the Western Balkans' entry and integration in the EU. According to him, a united and peaceful Balkans as part of the EU will serve as a model of greater stability and security in Europe.

There should be peace with everyone, but the rule of law is a fundamental value, Karadayi went on to say. Bulgaria and the EU should be friends with Russia but when international law is strictly observed. However, the partners in Bulgaria's ruling coalition turn out to be an opposition to the Bulgarian EU Presidency, the MRF leader noted, probably referring to the recent visit to Crimea of Volen Siderov, Floor Leader of the United Patriots, which are GERB's power-sharing partner.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed ALDE's support for the positions and policies of the MRF. He also commented on the risks posed by the populist and nationalist formations disputing fundamental European values.

Attending the meeting were MRF Deputy Chair and MEP Filiz Hyusmenova, ALDE Party Vice President and MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, and the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, and Luxembourg.