site.btaBalkan Liberals Call for Europe and Balkans Free of Nationalism and Radicalism

Sofia, November 11 (BTA) - A conference of Balkan liberal parties in Sofia ended with a declaration calling to make Europe and the Balkans a zone free of nationalism and radicalism, said the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) on Saturday. The motto was "Western Balkans - Inseparable Part of United Europe".

The statement voices concern with a growing wave of nationalism and chauvinism in nearly all European countries and the entry of extreme radical and xenophobic parties in the national parliaments in some countries.

Emil Kirjas, Secretary General of the Liberal International, said that in nearly all Balkan countries the liberals participate in the governments and voiced concern with the participation of the nationalists in Bulgaria's government.

"Development in Bulgaria are very disappointing and a serious cause for concern. It is not necessary for populist and nationalist parties which base their policy on xenophobia and discrimination to be part of the government. It doesn't do Bulgaria its neighbours and Europe good," said Kirjas. According to him, the MRF is a genuine patriotic party with the policy it leads.

Attending the forum were Hans van Baalen, President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party, Graham Watson, a member of the European Economic and Social Committee and Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, President of the Romanian Senate.