site.btaPresident Plevneliev: "I Oppose Putin's Policy because of its Dire Consequences for Bulgaria"

President Plevneliev: "I Oppose Putin's Policy because of its Dire Consequences for Bulgaria"

Sofia, January 12 (BTA) - "If Trump opts for a separate deal with Russia on an apportionment of spheres of influence, this will be disastrous for Bulgaria," Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said in an exclusive interview for Nova Television on Thursday morning, ten days before leaving office. He drew a parallel to the 1878 Congress of Berlin (at which the Great Powers partitioned newly liberated Bulgaria) and the preceding agreement between Russia and Austria-Hungary on their spheres of influence in the Balkans.

"I am not against the thaw of relations, I will be glad if Russia and the US have constructive and principled relations based on principles we want to see in the 21st century: rule of law rather than rule of force and interests," the head of State added.

"There are countries, including Bulgaria and the EU Member States, that believe in the rule of law. There are other countries, including Russia, that rely on force. Parts of Ukraine were occupied and annexed. This can happen to other countries as well, and we must not allow it," Plevneliev added, stating that he takes the side of principles and the rule of law.

He is proud to be "the first Bulgarian President who consistently declares his disapproval of Russia's policy" that violates international law.

"I am not a hawk but a politician and a citizen with a position of my own. We want to see dialogue and friendship with Russia. I love Russia, but I disagree with the Russian President's policy of apportioning spheres of influence which takes us back to the 19th century," the Bulgarian leader said. "I categorically oppose this policy because it violates international law and has dire consequences for everybody in Europe, including Bulgaria."

He called on President-elect Rumen Radev to condemn the unlawful occupation of Crimea. "In Ukraine, we are witnessing an act of armed aggression and the new President will have to say whether he agrees to that. If General Radev is convinced of his pro-NATO position and Bulgaria's European orientation, this will become evident very soon from his acts," Plevneliev said.

The head of State said he had met with US President Barack Obama on 30 occasions during his presidency. "Symbolically, I am now leaving together with him. We were very close friends. I talked to him after my child's death. I have talked to everybody. I stood up for Bulgaria's European development, and I will continue to do so," he added.

THE HOME SCENE

Plevneliev was adamant that Bulgaria would not have gained if he had appointed a caretaker cabinet. "The best thing for Bulgaria would have been for us to put together a caretaker cabinet jointly with Rumen Radev," the head of State noted. "General Rumen Radev won the November [2016] elections convincingly, and I wish him success. I also wish him not to make strategic mistakes, as I didn't make such mistakes, either," Plevneliev said.

Regarding the protests organized against him and pressing for his resignation, the President said that "being a unifier of the nation does not imply being liked by all, nor remaining silent when something incenses the people. I made a lot of enemies but do not regret it. In future, I am again ready to man the barricades in order to defend Bulgaria's European road," the head of State said.

Asked about his plans for the future, Plevneliev said: "I will not be looking back to the political parties and Parliament. I will not return to a party, and I will not set up a party. I will be looking forward and upward. Being a President of Bulgaria is not the only way to be useful. I will be a mentor, a lecturer, a writer, an active citizen, I will keep track of Bulgaria's European and democratic development."