site.btaDefence Minister Karakachanov: Bulgaria Could Play Stabilizing Factor Role in Western Balkans

Sofia, December 9 (BTA) - The Western Balkans is the region in which Bulgaria could play the role of a stabilizing factor, in addition to its role as an EU and NATO member state, said here Saturday Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov at a conference titled "Bulgaria between the Western Balkans and the Black Sea - History and Geopolitics", held under his auspices and attended by experts and diplomats.

According to the Defence Minister, Bulgaria must strive to promote and implement in the Balkans a policy of pacifying, seek normal peaceful and just solutions to the existing problems, instead of partaking in combinations that only lead to division in the region. He stressed the importance of Pan-European Corridor VIII, which links the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, and its role for the whole region's stability and economy.
 
Both Bulgaria and Albania are members of NATO. It is a matter of time before Macedonia also joins the Alliance, despite the disputes it has with Greece. This enhances and stabilizes NATO's and the future European institutions' presence in the region, which continues to be Europe's problem region, he said.

Karakachanov noted that in the whole region, Bulgaria has moral commitments to the Bulgarian communities in Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, where its policy should be one of providing cultural assistance.

Head of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad Peter Haralampiev also stressed Bulgaria's role as a stabilizing factor and its communities abroad, who are well integrated across the world and can serve as a bridge between Bulgaria and the relevant countries.