site.btaForeign Minister Mitov Demands Explanation from Bulgarian Ambassador to Russia Following Statement for Russian Media

Foreign Minister Mitov Demands Explanation from Bulgarian Ambassador to Russia  Following Statement for Russian Media

Sofia, September 3 (BTA) - Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov has
demanded an explanation from BulgariaТs Ambassador to Russia,
Boyko Kotsev, after a statement he made before the RIA Novosti
agency on Tuesday saying that the right solution for the
construction of the South Stream natural gas pipeline is being
sought and that Bulgaria is hoping to make a gas hub on its
territory together with Russia. Kotsev is also quoted as saying
that efforts should be made to lift the sanctions against
Russia.

According to Kotsev, the negotiations for the gas hub project
with Russia are still underway. He also added that the embassy
hopes both sides will come to the right solution about the South
 Stream project.

Kotsev noted that Bulgaria wants to develop cooperation with
Russia in a variety of spheres.

Commenting on the sanctions against Russia, the Ambassador said:
 "I am convinced that every effort must be made now in order to
achieve positive results and lift the sanctions. Sanctions are a
 pathology of international relations. Nobody needs them." "They
 are very damaging to us. Bulgaria's state officials have
mentioned this repeatedly. But sanctions are not an end in
itself. The idea is not to punish Russia, the idea is to find a
peaceful solution to the situation in Southeastern Ukraine, to
end the killing of people and preserve their life."

Mitov told journalists on Wednesday that he had demanded an
explanation on the same day two stories based on an interview
with Kotsev appeared in RIA Novosty and that he can comment
further when he receives them.
 
Taking a different question, Mitov said that former State Agency
 for National Security (SANS) chief Vladimir Pisanchev will make
 a good General Consul in Thessaloniki, Greece, particularly in
dealing with the issues caused by the migration flows. 

Pissanchev  left SANS last year over tensions with then Interior
 Minister Vesselin Vouchkov. Vouchkov warned Pissanchev replaced
 and when it did not happen, he tendered his resignation.
Shortly after that, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said in
Parliament that the SANS chief would be replaced.

Mitov said decisions for ambassadors and general consuls are
usually made behind closed doors. On the other hand, this is not
 unprecedented and people who have the necessary knowledge and
in whom the State has invested - there is no problem in their
having such positions, not to mention the complicated situation
in the neighboring country. Greece is a good neighbor and friend
 and cooperation should be boosted in any manner.