site.btaIlinden-Exochi Border Checkpoint to Open for Cargo Transport on September 7

Sofia, August 30 (BTA) - The Greek Government has notified by
diplomatic means the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry that the
Ilinden-Exochi border checkpoint between the two neighbouring
countries will be opened for cargo transport as of September 7,
on Bulgaria's insistence, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said. A
 political decision has been made on the pending opening which
is to be published officially.

The Greek authorities closed the border checkpoint on July 22.
Initially, the crossing point had been supposed to remain closed
 until August 3, but this was subsequently extended until August
 15 and August 31.

Representatives of Bulgarian businesses held two protests
demanding the opening of the checkpoint, on August 20 and 24.

Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva had personally insisted on
opening the crossing before her Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias,
 Zaharieva's Ministry said. NV/ZH