site.btaJudicial Reform at Focus of Talks of German Minister of State for Europe Roth with Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers

Judicial Reform at Focus of Talks of  German Minister of State for Europe Roth with Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers

Sofia, February 5 (BTA) - Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office, who is paying a visit here on Friday, discussed the judicial reform and the refugee problem, among other topics, with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva, and Justice Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva.

Roth and Borissov assessed in positive terms the bilateral relations and the opportunities for investment, the government's information service said.

Borissov voiced a hope that the German business will assess positively the measures Bulgaria undertook to become a reliable and stable partner for investment and business, including the reform of the judicial system and other substantial reforms. Roth pledged readiness to render assistance for further steps in this respect, and welcomed what has been done by the Bulgarian government so far.

Concerning the migratory crisis, the Borissov and Roth noted the need for timely and adequate decisions.

In the talks the Prime Ministers once again stressed that the need to forthwith improve the control of EU's external borders is of critical importance to finding a lasting solution and ensuring Europe's security.

Speaking at a briefing after his meeting with Kuneva, Roth described the relations between Bulgaria and Germany as stable and productive, adding that this is what the two countries needs at the moment: trust, friendship, solidarity and readiness for joint actions. Roth said that at the moment there are many crises in Europe, noting that acting together and in a decisive manner, the European countries must tackle nationalism and populism.

The German guest also said that his government welcomed the good steps made in the judicial reform in Bulgaria in the past year, the independence of the system and the stabilization of the rule of law. Germany agrees with the European Commission that 2016 should be the year of further reformist steps, Roth noted, expressing his country's readiness to aid Bulgaria in this direction, all the more so that the German industry is ready to make more investments in Bulgaria.

Dwelling on the refugee problem, Roth said he was glad that Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has spelled it clearly that Bulgaria and Germany are "on the same line" concerning the refugee question and that Bulgaria wants to play a constructive role in solving the problems.

Kuneva said that in the person of Roth Bulgaria sees a convinced European and someone who offers solutions so that Europe remain united.

Roth and Zaharieva concurred during a working lunch that the Bulgarian people should begin to trust the justice not only thanks to amendments to the Constitution but also thanks to the professional work of the magistrates. The two ministers also discussed the judicial reform and the recommendations included in the latest CVM report on Bulgaria of the European Commission, Zaharieva's Ministry said.

Zaharieva familiarized Roth with the functions and work of the Council for the Implementation of the Updated Strategy to Continue the Reform of the Judicial System which is a permanent advisory body to the Council of Ministers. She said the people's trust in the judicial system will not be regained by just adopting laws but by their application, which is more important. Zaharieva said that the foremost priority of the team of her Ministry are the amendments to the Judicial Power Act, as well as continuing the reform in the teaching of law. PK/ZH//