site.btaDeputy PM Karakachanov Finds Three Ministerial Resignations Premature

Deputy PM Karakachanov Finds
Three Ministerial
Resignations Premature


Chervena Voda, Northern Bulgaria, September 8 (BTA) - The
resignations of three government ministers in the wake of an
August 25 deadly bus crash are premature, Deputy Prime Minister
and Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov said on Saturday.

The resignations of ministers Ivaylo Moskovski (transport),
Nikolai Nankov (regional development) and Valentin Radev
(interior) were submitted on August 31 and require parliamentary
 approval in order to take effect.

Karakachanov commented: "I do not think that all three of them
should resign. They are not personally responsible for the
tragic accident."

He noted that Regional Development Minister Nankov, for example,
 should not be blamed for substandard repaving of the road near
Svoge, Sofia Region (where the bus crash claimed 17 lives),
because the road repairs took place three years ago, when Nankov
 was not a minister. "Moreover, he is one of the best
professionals in this government, he is industrious and
open-minded. Moskovski, too, is one of the most qualified
ministers," said Karakachanov, who leads the VMRO party and
co-chairs the power-sharing coalition of the United Patriots.

The United Patriots and GERB, the senior partner in the ruling
majority, are expected to hold a coalition council on Monday.

Karakachanov said his remarks were just his opinion and it is up
 to Prime Minister and GERB Chairman Boyko Borissov to make a
decision because the three ministers are from the GERB quota.

"If Borissov decides to replace all three of them, we in the
VMRO will support him," Karakachanov said.

The Deputy Prime Minister was in Chervena Voda for a gathering
organized by the Rousse chapter of the VMRO.