site.btaPresident Plevneliev Criticizes Way Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Makes Requests to Bulgaria

President Plevneliev Criticizes Way Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Makes Requests to Bulgaria

Sofia, November 11 (BTA) - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's request that Bulgaria return church relics was not made in the propoper place or way, President Rosen Plevneliev said on Wednesday after attending the swearing-in of the new constitutional judges.

Plevneliev recalled that the Bulgarian public has long been aware of these claims, which are unfounded.

After being decorated with Bulgaria's highest state honour, the Order of the Balkan Range, First Class, by Plevneliev on Monday, the Ecumenical Patriarch asked that Bulgaria return all church artefacts and books originating from Northern Greece, which were taken during wars and turmoil in the Balkan Peninsula in the 20th century.

Plevneliev encouraged the continuation of diplomatic negotiations for the return of Bulgarian Tsar Samuel's (997-1014) remains from Greece, so that he can be given a state funeral in Bulgaria.