site.btaSecurity in Europe and Migrant Crisis Dominate Sofia Talks between Borissov, Orban

Security in Europe and Migrant Crisis Dominate Sofia Talks between Borissov, Orban

Sofia, January 29 (BTA) - Addressing the migrant crisis and ensuring security across Europe were high on the agenda of the Sofia talks of visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borissov.

Orban arrived on a visit here Thursday evening.

Borissov reiterated his idea for temporary closure of the EU external border. "I continue to believe that we can at least take one step forward and immediately close the EU external border until the moment when the problems with the migrant arrivals are solved," he said.

He observed that an increasing number of EU countries are beginning to turn down migrants by the thousands. "I hope that we can start to be more honest with the migrants because this influx cannot last forever, with corridors through Greece, Macedonia, Serbia or to the north. And when they get there [at their final destination] they have spent all their money and are sent back. This is even more inhumane than not letting them in and imposing rules," said the Bulgarian government leader.

He also spoke about the importance of having common European positions. "I donТt want to see countries without borders where all the refugees stay and inundate them," he said adding that when a country takes care of its people it also takes care of European solidarity.

Prime Minister Orban said it is wrong that Brussels does not recognize the accomplishments of Bulgaria on its way to Schengen entry. It is not fair that new conditions are put, that the best results, which Bulgaria has achieved in dealing with the migrant crisis, do not get recognition, he added. There is a stress test for all countries among the migrant route and Bulgaria passed the test much better than the European banks. It turns out that Bulgaria delivers on its commitments; it can protect its borders from smugglers and migrants, Orban said.

He went on to say that if Europe wants to be just, it must offer Schengen membership to Bulgaria. It is a different question whether an invitation to join a dying organization is worth accepting - and Bulgarian people must think about this, he added.

The Hungarian Prime Minister said that the migrant crisis has reached a turning point. Until recently this mass migration was treated as an economic and cultural issue but for weeks now it has been a matter of security - not of culture, money or social networks - because our daily safety is at stake, Orban added.

He believes that the terrorist threat is increasing and public order is worsening.

European people are under a threat, especially the weaker: women and those who cannot protect themselves, and this is unacceptable, said Orban.

He argued that politicians are elected to protect their citizens and politicians in an increasing number of countries have become unable to fulfill this duty. It is good to have discussions about the principles but now is the time to protect people - not the principles - and protect them from the terrorist threat and crime," Orban said.