site.btaForeign Ministry Condemns Lukov March in Declaration

Sofia, February 18 (BTA) - The Foreign Ministry issued a declaration on Sunday, categorically condemning the Lukov March procession held in Sofia on Saturday evening, which is described as a demonstration of xenophobia, discrimination and hatred.

"This manifestation of unwarranted intolerance to others is held less than a month after the whole world paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. Last night's march gathered in Bulgaria, which currently presides over the Council of the EU, people of various nationalities, who came here to demonstrate hatred and intolerance. This must serve as a clear sign for us, as a society and Europeans, who have not forgotten the suffering caused by the Second World War, that merely recalling the tragic events is not sufficient," the declaration reads.

The declaration states that every act of hatred and glorification of anti-semitic and Nazi ideology is absolutely unacceptable. "Rousing and preaching intolerance towards those who are different and the frenzied use of hate speech are an attempt to undermine the democratic values, which we uphold as a people and community. This is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highly appreciates the efforts by the World Jewish Congress and the Shalom Organization of Jews in Bulgaria to increase public awareness of this matter, as well as to encourage the fight against the causes of anti-semitism and hate speech," the Ministry says.

The Foreign Ministry will continue working within the international organizations and in cooperation with its partners from the international community, to protect human rights, fight violence and promote the culture of peace, so that such gatherings as Lukov March can become a thing of the past, the declaration reads.