site.bta Bulgarian Transport Minister Negotiates for Timetable for Greek Border Closures

Bulgarian Transport Minister Negotiates for Timetable for Greek Border Closures

Sofia, February 5 (BTA) - Bulgarian Transport Minister Ivaylo Moskovski talked with Ioannis Moisiadis, Deputy Prefect of the Serres Regional Unit in Northern Greece, and with protesting Greek farmers who have been blocking the border passes between Greece and Bulgaria on and off during the last few days, the Transport Ministry reported on Friday.

Moskovski urged Moisiadis to arrange for the drivers waiting on the Greek side of the common border to be provided with food, water and chemical toilets, as has been done by the Bulgarian authorities across the border. Moisiadis promised that this will be done shortly.

The two agreed that Moisiadis will update the Governor of Bulgaria's Blagoevgrad Region, Bisser Mihailov, about the blockade timetable on a daily basis so that Bulgarian haulers can plan their trips.

Moskovski told the Serres official that Sofia has informed European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc that the Greek protesters' blockade is hindering the free movement of people and goods along one of the most important and busy Transeuropean roads, Corridor 4.

Speaking to the Greek farmers, the Bulgarian Transport Minister asked them to allow the delivery of food and water to the waiting Bulgarian drivers and make a clear timetable for the passage of Bulgarian trucks across the border in order to avoid tensions. Moskovski said he respects the farmers' right to express their opinions freely and to press their demands, but noted that this should not cause others to suffer and sustain losses.

The Greek protesters thanked Moskovski for being the only Bulgarian government official to give them his attention. They promised to let water and food deliveries through to the drivers and to provide timely information about the border closures.