site.btaGovernment National Security Report Garners Varied Political Comments Related to Russia

Sofia, September 13 (BTA) - Politicians from the various parliamentary groups reacted differently to the findings in the government's Annual National Security Report. The report positions the actions of Russia as a source of regional instability and one threatening Bulgaria's main goal - a united, free and peaceful Europe. The report was submitted at the National Assembly Wednesday.

All are unanimous, however, that the conclusions have not been made through the prism of philia or phobia, but concern real political and economic aspects.

The report provides a correct reflection of the threats in the region and the Russian factor in this respect, MP Milen Mihov of the United Patriots thinks. Mihov, who is a member of the Defence Committee, said the report states three important facts - Russia's increased military presence in the Black Sea region, and the federation's escalating military presence which, in his words, are concerning in respect to Russia - NATO and EU relations and that, in turn, was indicative of something concerning for Bulgaria's national security. Second, the government notes the exacerbation of relations between Russia, NATO and the US, which is also indicative of a threat to this country's security. The third finding in the report Mihov commented are Russia's increasing efforts to form different spheres of influence, including through various economic, political and cultural means.

His colleague from Ataka, Stanislav Stanilov, part of the United Patriots, however, said the conclusions in the report were NATO "crap" in relation to Russia.GERB's Krassimir Velchev said he did not know what this is all about and what threats are meant, but that such statements mean his colleagues are obviously concerned. Velchev co-chairs the parliamentary committee for friendship with the Russian Federation. Velchev underscored that the incumbent make a distinction between politicians and ordinary Russians.

According to Anton Koutev of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, who also co-chairs the committee, this a a faux pas, regrettably not the first one. He commented that the last few governments have shown a leaning towards definitely anti-Russian attitude. Koutev is convinced that Bulgarian can definitely maintain good relations with Moscow and that this does not mean giving up development in the Euro-Atlantic direction.