site.btaNew Ombudsman Diana Kovacheva Takes Oath of Office

September 5 (BTA) - Diana Kovacheva was sworn in as an
Ombudsman before the National Assembly on Thursday. Kovacheva
has served as Deputy Ombudsman since the beginning of 2016 and
by law, after the termination of the powers of the former
Ombudsman Maya Manolova, she has assumed the post until the
election of a new national public defender.

On September 3, Maya Manolova resigned as Ombudsman, and a day
later announced that she will run for Sofia mayor.

"I am committed to ensuring that the fundamental rights and
freedoms of citizens are my primary concern, as well as
obligations against violations and wrongful interference with
people's rights," said the new Ombudsman. She noted that the
agenda of the Ombudsman's institution, same as before, will be
determined by the people and their problems.

Kovacheva noted that she comes after three strong predecessors
and that she will focus on working hard and acting on goodwill
and objectivity, while keeping in mind that the Ombudsman is
always on the citizens' side.

Diana Kovacheva was Minister of Justice between 2011-2013 and a
long-time executive director of Transparency International's
national representation in Bulgaria. She is a research associate
 at the Institute of State and Law at the Bulgarian Academy of
Sciences and a lecturer at the Law Faculty of the University of
National and World Economy.

Kovacheva holds a law degree from Sofia University, a Masters
degree of European Union and Judiciary Law from Nancy II
University in France and has a PhD in International Law and
International Relations. She has written a number of articles
and monographs in the field of international law.

She is a recipient of the Order of the British Empire and speaks
 English, French and Russian. RY/DT

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