site.bta Foreign Minister Mitov: 2016 Should Be Year of Actions And Decisions

Foreign Minister Mitov: 2016 Should Be Year of Actions And Decisions

Sofia, December 17 (BTA) - If 2015 was a period of debate and planning for Europe above all, 2016 should be a year of action and decision-making, Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said at the annual news conference hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Friday.

Over the past year, the international situation has become more complicated, Mitov pointed out, noting the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East crisis.

Europe is definitely aware that it borders not only on geographical landscapes, but also on dangerous ideas. These ideological architectures had the ambition to change Europe itself, to change what Europe believes in - freedom, democracy and security, Mitov said.

What was faced was a constant denial of European values, Europe itself sometimes reacted slowly. It frequently seemed that European decisions were made in the last hour, he commented. Mitov commented that 2015 has provided the framework for the solutions, including the Minsk Agreements related to the conflict in Ukraine and the consensus achieved in Vienna regarding the situation in Syria.

In 2015 Bulgaria founds itself as a crossroads of the routes of economic migrants and refugees, the Foreign Minister said. In spite of the tremors of geopolitical layers in the region Bulgaria managed to retain its stability and was a source of solutions, not problems for the region for the first time in years.

Bulgaria has been returned to the international stage with active foreign policy and positions of principle, Mitov said, recalling the recent visits of top world and European politicians.

The Bulgarian government has returned the confidence of its western partners, increased its role in the EU and has become an important partner in decision-making, as well as being a correct and predictable NATO partner.

The refugee flow is one of the greatest challenges before the EU, Mitov said, recalling that Bulgaria was among the first to point out that the quota principle of administrating refugees does not work. It can regulate and distribute pressure, it can show solidarity, but it cannot solve the problem. Bulgaria clearly declared that EU countries should turn towards return of economic migrants and that a distinction should be made between them and the immigrants. Europe should begin to control its external borders. It should realize that European citizens want a return of control on the situation, Mitov added.

Confidence in Bulgaria was also confirmed by the increased trade with EU countries, Mitov commented, citing that in January-September Bulgaria's exports to the EU increased 9.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2014, while imports increased by 5.9 per cent.

Energy diplomacy has always been among the main priorities, with efforts being focused on the diversification of energy sources and routes, the Foreign Minister said.

The government is also focused on one of its main priorities: the policy of support of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, coupled with clear protection of the rights of Bulgarian minorities there. Mitov also commented on the protection of the rights and interests of Bulgarians and the development of e-consular services.

Commenting on the Bulgarian nominee of UN Secretary General, Mitov underscored that it should be one of a strong politician recognizable across the world.