site.btaPM Borissov Slams Calls for Discontinuing EU Talks with Turkey

Brussels, October 19 (BTA correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov) - Speaking to Bulgarian reporters covering the European Council meeting in Brussels Thursday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov slammed calls by some member states for discontinuing EU talks with Turkey. "Speaking against Turkey may be winning elections but Turkey is the biggest neighbour of the EU and of Bulgaria," said the Bulgarian government leader and said that relations with Turkey must be preserved.

"Let us assume that we call off the talks with Turkey. What shall we do then with NATO's Southern flank? Bulgaria becomes the Southern flank - but is it capable of holding up against the pressure that will come? The entire defence concept of Bulgaria and of the EU will collapse if this [idea for discontinuing the accession talks with Turkey] goes through," said Borissov.

He said the EU should use all levers it has to improve the relations with Turkey.

He added that "obviously, Turkey's accession to the EU right now is out of the question".

Borissov reiterated his position that so far Turkey has delivered on its promise under the migrant agreement with the EU.

Commenting the issue of the European defence and the ongoing dispute on Bulgaria's armament modernization plans, Borissov said that it is important to identify the enemy. "We easily spend money: several billion for jets, others want tanks or artillery. But when I ask them who the enemy is, I donТt get a clear answer. The military people, the President, should step up and say who the enemy is."

He went on to say: "If we have to buy, let it be made in Europe. Or we can build factories in Bulgaria, restore the old industrial cooperations. At least this is sure to create jobs in Bulgaria."

Borissov does not expect this European Council to reach an agreement with the UK on the Brexit.