site.btaBulgarian Leaders, Politicians with Addresses on Europe Day

Sofia, May 9 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, President Rumen Radev and Bulgarian Socialist Party leader Kornelia Ninova issued addresses on the occasion of Europe Day, May 9.

Prime Minister Borissov wrote on Facebook that on May 9, Bulgaria celebrates Europe Day with all of its friends from the EU, with whom it continues to develop and built the idea of a European union, conceived 71 years ago. The EU is the best place to live in the world, Borissov wrote, adding that he is proud of his country's increasing share of the common European achievements. "It is our duty, being part of United Europe, to develop its strength, based on peace, freedom and solidarity," the outgoing Prime Minister wrote.

"Today, we mark the 76th anniversary of the victory over Nazism. We are honoring the memory of the victims of this horrible war, which gave humanity its darkest lessons," Borissov said.

Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva congratulated EU citizens on the occasion of Europe Day. "We are together both in critical and successful times in the name of a strong, united and prospering Europe," Zaharieva is quoted by her Ministry as saying in a video, in which every EU foreign minister speaks in their mother tongue.

President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova laid flowers before the Monument to the Unknown Soldier on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of WWII's end in Europe. Radev said that the Nazi atrocities must not be forgotten and people must always remember the self-sacrifice of those "who lifted their heads up with dignity to protect humanity". The head of State said he and his Vice President are honoring all Bulgarians who died and all living veterans.

BSP leader Ninova said that May 9 is a special day that unites into one Victory Day and Europe Day. "We should bow down before the self-sacrifice of the millions who died on the 76th anniversary of this memorable date. The victory over Hitler's Nazism was the foundation for achieving lasting peace and our task is to protect it. Only through dialogue and understanding, can Europe move forward," Ninova is quoted by her party's press centre as saying on Facebook. MY