site.btaGERB, United Patriots Try to Iron Out Differences, Say Government is "Stable"

Sofia, February 23 (BTA) - GERB and the United Patriots, which make up the ruling coalition, Friday tried to iron out their differences at a meeting in Parliament between GERB deputy leader and floor leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Deputy PM Valeri Simeonov, leader of the National Front for the Salvation of Bulgaria, and Volen Siderov, United Patriots floor leader and leader of the Ataka party.

The last few weeks saw tension both in the ruling coalition and in the United Patriots three-party coalition, which their leaders did not deny.

The coalition partners agreed at Friday's meeting to meet more often to discuss matters of shared interest and important public matters.

Tsvetanov and Siderov shook hands on camera, saying that the coalition government is stable. However, Simeonov did not face the media, saying he was confused.

Tsvetanov said there was no disagreement in the ruling coalition, just different opinions which would be sorted out through dialogue so that GERB and the United Patriots would be united both in Parliament and in the government. He said comments to the media on one's political partners or opponents should be avoided.

The United Patriots have not given an ultimatum to GERB against the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, said Tsvetanov. In mid-February Prime Minister Boyko Borissov decided that GERB would not table it for ratification as it had become too divisive an issue.

Siderov also said there were no grounds for concern about the coalition's stability.