site.btaBTA Interview: Foreign Minister Mitov Wants to See More Unity of Action, Consolidation Among Political Parties on International Plane

BTA Interview: Foreign Minister Mitov Wants to See More Unity of Action, Consolidation Among Political Parties on International Plane

Sofia, January 5 (Lora Metanova of BTA) - Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov spoke to BTA about the challenges of last year, the hopes for the new year, the Bulgarian nomination for the position of UN Secretary General, this country's Schengen aspirations and plans for sale of Bulgarian overseas properties, among other issues. Following is the full text of the interview:

Q: What are your expectations for 2016? What are the main challenges for Bulgaria?

A: The solutions to the problems left from 2015 should materialize in the new year. We know very well what challenges Bulgaria faced in 2015: the human flow from the Middle East and Northern Africa, along with the problems it caused, including unrest at the borders, trafficking in humans, and the intensification of terrorist activity. On this backdrop, we are also far from reaching a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

Nevertheless, I think that if 2015 was for Europe a year of debate and of  coping with consequences, 2016 will be a year of initiative and action. We already have a framework: the Vienna decisions on Syria and the Minsk Agreements about Ukraine. I hope that with effective and collective actions in 2016 we will focus on solving problems in Europe.

In this interconnected world of ours, all these processes invariably reflect on Bulgaria. However, this country was one of the countries who had a recognizable role in identifying the possible solutions to the crises. With its actions, especially with regard to border protection, Bulgaria contributed to regional security and this was recognized by Europe. This is Bulgaria's role in 2016: continuing to act as a factor of stability in a dynamic geostrategic environment.

Q: The refugee crisis and the threat of terrorism were the highlights of 2015. Do you expect them to remain a main topic in 2016 as well and what are the possibilities for finding a lasting solution in 2016?

A: To solve these problems, we must identify the root causes. This resembles a mathematical problem: in order to obtain a result, you must know the values you are working with. This is why a solution to the refugee crisis is impossible without stating its causes: the terrorist activity of Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and the regime of Bashar al-Assad. For as long as we have these two constants, we cannot expect a positive result.

This is part of the reasoning that underpins the Vienna Decisions. The organization of negotiations between al-Assad's opposition under the UN guidance, and the possible conduct of elections observed by the international community are part of the productive guidelines provided by the meeting in Vienna. Along with this, we see how in their military actions the Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq gained back the initiative and successfully attack Daesh's positions.

Q: What prospects do you see in 2016 for Bulgaria's bid to join the Schengen area?

A: Bulgaria has met the technical requirements for accession. Moreover, Bulgaria has been protecting well its border, which is also an external border for the EU, since the onset of the migrant crisis. We believe that when we contribute to the common European security, it is only right to have access to the benefits brought by the membership of the Schengen area.

In this line of reasoning, I am optimistic about our entry in Schengen.

It will increase even further the operational capacity of Bulgaria and our partners to guarantee regional security.  

Q: During the debate on the 2016 national budget, you mentioned that the Foreign Ministry is planning to sell overseas properties which have become redundant and possibly to appoint non-resident ambassadors for some countries. Do you now know exactly what properties will be put up for sale and what embassies will be closed?
   
A: We are currently assessing the options for changing the ownership or user of some state-owned Bulgarian properties abroad, which means deciding whether to sell them or rent them out. We are not talking about embassies here but about adjacent properties which generate unjustifiable losses or are located in countries where Bulgarian embassies no longer exist. These are only some of the criteria which we will use when we make our decisions. The goal is to alleviate the burden such properties put on the national budget.

In this process, the Foreign Ministry will study the real estate markets in the respective countries to see what revenue it can expect from renting out or selling the property. The market assessment will be done by a valuator who is certified by the local legislation. 

At this stage we are specifically looking at properties in Managua, Bucharest, New Jersey and some other places.

More detailed information will be available when the assessments are done.

Q: In 2016 Bulgaria should make its nomination for the position of UN Secretary General. Do you have a decision about who the nominee will be?   
   
A: The Bulgarian candidate will be officially announced the moment when the conditions are the most conducive to a success. There is an element of a tactic in this. We must not speculate with names. We must put the focus on the qualities of the persons. One of the most important qualities of our candidate must be his or her potential to ensure a consensus among the UN member countries whose vote is practically decisive in the election of the Secretary General. Such countries are the permanent members of the Security Council. Bulgaria will put its stake on a recognizable figure who can secure this consensus.

Anyway, this is a process that involves a lot of diplomacy - not media speculations.

Q: I would like to ask you about developments at home at the end of last year. Do you think that the situation in the Movement for Rights and Freedoms will in any way influence Bulgaria in foreign policy terms, and if it will, in what way?

A: All parties registered under Bulgarian law must rally behind the cause of protection of Bulgarian national interests. It is normal that they should compete on the home turf. But when we talk of the country's foreign policy, I would like to see more unity of action and consolidation. After all, at home we can be Left, Right, Liberals, Conservatives and what not, but abroad we are first and foremost Bulgarians. Ensuring security and creating conditions for decent income of our compatriots is an objective for which each party should work. This is the basic consensus I'd like to see.

Because our parties should not forget that they are above all a tool to protect Bulgaria and Bulgarian national interests. I cannot tolerate an alternative reading of their goals. Any entity assuming a commitment other than the national commitment must be reprehensible. Once you're elected by Bulgarian citizens, you can't work for the interests of Russia or Turkey. This is what I have to say to any person, lobby or party of whatever stripe that discredits Bulgaria by its actions, be it domestically or internationally. When Bulgaria relies on your backing, any balancing acts, beating about the bush and lying low is inadmissible.

Q: Could you put in a nutshell your personal 2015 and your hopes for 2016?

A: The year 2015 was rather hectic in terms of engagements and work. I'm glad that with the joint efforts of the colleagues of the Foreign Ministry and the Government we managed to safeguard Bulgaria from economic and political turmoil. In this respect, Bulgaria set a positive example in the Balkans. Better yet, we put Bulgaria on European track. What I wish myself at the beginning of the current year is that we press boldly ahead, now that the direction is clear.