site.btaPresidential Candidate Krassimir Karakachanov Says Bulgaria's Foreign Policy Should Focus on Balkans

Presidential Candidate Krassimir Karakachanov Says Bulgaria's Foreign Policy Should Focus on Balkans

Rousse, on the Danube, September 5 (BTA) - Presidential candidate Krassimir Karakachanov said on Monday that Bulgaria's strategic and political interests are centred on the Balkans and this is where the country should be an active factor. He said: "Bulgaria is not in a position to meddle in world politics and take care of democracy in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. The country should be concerned mainly with its border security, politics in the Balkan Peninsula, the protection of the Balkan population, and the invigoration of its own cooperation not only with the member states of the EU and NATO, but also with the countries of the East, such as Russia, China and India."

Karakachanov, who co-chairs the Patriotic Front, and his running mate in the presidential race, Yavor Notev MP of the Ataka party, were in Rousse to give their first news conference as candidates for president and vice president nominated by a citizens' initiative committee with the support of patriotic parties. The presidential elections will be held on November 6.

Karakachanov believes that Bulgaria needs to rely on its own government agencies for its security and implement a balanced foreign policy based on the national interests. He called for a prompt completion of the construction of the fence along Bulgaria's border with Turkey, noting that the part which remains to be built is over 60 km long, not 7 km, as some have suggested. "The issue of having volunteer forces at the border can be solved provisionally with a Council of Ministers ordinance which will say who can join them, who will be in charge and what rights they have," he said.

Discussing refugees, Karakachanov said Bulgaria should state clearly it will not allow large organized groups of people to enter the country.