site.btaBulgaria Voices "Serious Concern" over "Dramatic Escalation" of Situation in Jerusalem

Bulgaria Voices "Serious Concern"
over "Dramatic Escalation" of
Situation in Jerusalem


Sofia, November 19 (BTA) - "Bulgaria voices serious concern over
the dramatic escalation of the situation in Jerusalem which,
after the terrorist act committed on November 18, threatens to
assume an inter-ethnic and inter-faith character," Bulgarian
Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said in a statement released by
his Ministry's Press Centre.

"We once again categorically condemn the brutal killing of
Israeli citizens during a morning prayer at a Synagogue in
Jerusalem. We are firmly convinced that no cause whatsoever can
justify such terrorist acts," Mitov states. "The statements and
the actions which directly or indirectly support or incite
aggression are also absolutely inadmissible and reprehensible,"
he adds.

"We call on both Israel and the Palestinians to reconsider what
has been going on in recent weeks and to do everything possible
to immediately bring tensions under control," the Foreign
Minister's statement reads. "The Palestinian unity government
should make maximum efforts to subdue extremist factions and
circles whose actions jeopardize peace and security in the
region," Mitov points out.

"We emphasize that the peace process is at serious risk and,
under the circumstances, the chances of its resumption
drastically recede," he states.

"We call on all regional leaders to make efforts for an end to
violence and a return of the two sides to the negotiating
process. We are convinced that this is the only way of achieving
a lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict, based on the
principle of two independent states coexisting in peace and
security," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister's statement reads.
PK/LG

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