site.btaBSP Calls for Strategic Review of Security and Defence, Restored Bulgarian Presence in Middle East, North Africa

ESD 18:18:01 11-06-2017
PP1817ES.106
106 POLITICS-DEFENCE-SECURITY-BSP-PROPOSALS

BSP Calls for Strategic Review
of Security and Defence,
Restored Bulgarian Presence in Middle East, North Africa


Sofia, June 11 (BTA) - Speaking to the press after a meeting of the parliamentary group of Bulgarian Socialist Party for Bulgaria, leader Kornelia Ninova said that her party is calling for a strategic review of the state of play of the security and defence sector, the Interior Ministry and the intelligence services.

The meeting of the Socialist deputies was held in the mountain resort Borovets Saturday and Sunday to discuss policy highlights and how the party should open to people.

Ninova said that socialists had concrete solutions discussed with security experts. These include updating the national security strategy by the end of September ahead of the start of the budget procedure in October.

Ninova underscored a common sentiment to repeal reforms launched by former interior minister Buchvarova and adopt a new Interior Ministry act. Ninova called for new laws on defence, the military reserve and for amendments to the Denominations Act which will ban external financing for religious communities. The Left has been drawing up new bills.

With view to external policy, BSP for Bulgaria has proposed a new strategy which will prioritize the restoration of Bulgaria's presence in the Middle East and North Africa and its diplomatic missions.

Ninova said that a statement by the German Defence Minister has made it clear that Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's idea for a common EU army is unfeasible. The BSP is proposing a European security service which will define common threats and will plan and coordinate prevention and counteraction on its own and together with the national security services in the EU.

Ninova deemed as unacceptable that the political class should increase continuously the budget of the National Bodyguard Service for its own protection and security, while ignoring the security of Bulgaria citizens.

Weekly visits to municipalities, new Code of Ethics

Responding to criticism that politicians turn to citizens only at elections, the BSP legislators decided that every Monday socialist MPs will travel to municipalities across the country and will hold regular receptions for citizens.

The Executive Bureau of the Bulgarian Socialist Party will continue to hold its meetings in places across the country and MPs will travel around the country.

BSP Leader Kornelia Ninova encouraged strengthening of ties between MPs with regional and municipal authorities. She advised the young to consult the more experienced.

Deputy leader Kiril Dobrev warned against pledging impossible things.

BSP for Bulgaria adopted a Code of Ethics for its MPs. The Code prohibits socialist MPs from using their position for personal gains, privileges and exemption from obligations, as cover for illegal activities or to avoid punishment. They are not allowed to divulge or use to their advantage information available to them in their capacity as MPs. Socialist MPs are banned from using public money or service cars for their personal trips across the country and abroad. The Code of Ethics lays down special rules against corruption and conflict of interest. LN/PP