site.btaBulgarian Ambassador to Kosovo Says No Major Irregularities Were Observed at General Elections There

February 16 (BTA special correspondent Petur Kadrev) - The general elections in Kosovo proceeded without major irregularities, Bulgarian Ambassador to Kosovo Hristo Goudzhev told BTA on Tuesday. The Bulgarian diplomat observed the voting process at five sections in various places across the country including Podjuevo Municipality and Southern Mitrovica.

"In general, our opinion and that of colleagues from other countries is that the process was normal without flagrant violations. The COVID- restrictions were violated in isolated sections. I suppose that similar problems may occur in Bulgaria too," Ambassador Goudzhev said.

He also said that experience from the previous general elections in 2019 has shown the process of contesting the election results and a possible recounting of votes may be lengthy. Ambassador Goudzhev, however, noted that the future parliament has
to resolve many important and urgent problems for Kosovo and that the constitutional framework provides for a tight schedule. "I hope that Kosovar politicians will succeed in finding a solution. Our hopes are that the government will succeed in carrying out the necessary reforms. which the EU and the cooperation and association agreement require," said the Bulgarian Ambassador.

Approached about bilateral relations the diplomat noted that Bulgaria was among the first countries which recognized Kosovo's independence and which opened a diplomatic representation there. According to him there are no outstanding issues between the two countries, there are visits at the highest level and Bulgarian representatives are given a very positive and friendly welcomed. During the EU Presidency Bulgaria raised the issue about the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU and providing them a clear perspective. Even countries which don't recognize Kosovo's independence attended the summit in Sofia. "This is a success for the Bulgarian diplomacy, which Kosovo recognizes and knows," said Ambassador Goudzhev.

He voiced dissatisfaction with the fact that the Bulgarian business is not very active in relations with Kosovo despite the commercial exchange. The Ambassador recalled that at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis the Bulgarian business managed to prevent a shortage of foods and animal feed in Kosovo. "The first batches of flour sold on the market were Bulgarian," said Goudzhev. RY/PP
//