site.bta President Plevneliev Vows to Not Let Consultative Council on National Security Be Politicized, Used for Election Campaigning

President Plevneliev Vows to Not Let Consultative Council on National Security Be Politicized, Used for Election Campaigning

Sofia, August 30 (BTA) - President Rosen Plevneliev said here on Tuesday that as long as he is the Head of State, he will not allow the Consultative Council on National Security (CCNS) to be politicized and used for election campaigning.

The CCNS has played its role, Plevneliev said. In his words, many politicians in Bulgaria nowadays once again seek the CCNS's convocation, taking undue advantage of the situation.

Plevneliev further noted that the President's door is open for the political leaders from all parties, who have concerns, which he, as Head of State, will hear and decide on what further steps he will take within his constitutional duties. This has been precisely the case with the CCNS so far, and almost all meetings were marked by broad or full political consensus. He gave as examples the CCNS's adoption of the Bulgaria 2020 National Programme for Development, the full consensus about the need to reform and adopt new legislation in the security sector, as well as the consensus on defence matters.

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) wanted Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to be heard in Parliament and CCNS convened over the agreement between Turkey and the EU, Bulgaria's role and the protection of national interests, BSP leader Kornelia Ninova said during a Monday news conference at her party's headquarters.