site.btaPresident Plevneliev: International Community Must Focus on Migration Flows' Root Causes

President Plevneliev: International Community Must Focus on Migration Flows' Root Causes

Sofia, October 19 (BTA) - The international community must focus on the root causes, which are behind the unprecedented migration wave towards Europe, President Rosen Plevneliev and International Organization for Migration Deputy Director General Laura Thompson have agreed during their meeting here on Tuesday, Plevneliev's Press Secretariat reported.

The two also agreed that putting an end to the violence in Syria, as well as reestablishing political stability and improving the socioeconomic situation in the Middle East and North Africa, are the foundations for coming up with long-term sustainable solutions.

Thompson thanked the Bulgarian institutions for their efforts to improve the accommodation and integration conditions for asylum seekers in this country.

Bulgaria will continue to responsibly perform its duties of protecting its national and EU external borders, while closely interacting with European partner institutions and friendly neighbouring countries, Plevneliev said. He was adamant that the increased migration pressure on the EU's external borders is a common European problem and a long-term phenomenon, which calls for solidarity and joint measures.

Unfortunately Bulgaria remains one of the few EU Member States, which strictly abides by the European regulations by continuing to register all migrants entering the country, the President noted.

Plevneliev further noted that the competent Bulgarian institutions are conducting an independent investigation of the tragic incident, in which a migrant lost his life near the southeastern town of Sredets. He added that Bulgaria has been always humane and tolerant towards asylum seekers, regardless of their place of origin. The peaceful coexistence of people with different religions and cultures is part of the Bulgarian people's and this country's traditions, the President said.