site.btaBulgaria's Schengen Accession by Land Remains Key Topic, Outgoing Foreign Minister Says

Bulgaria’s Schengen accession by land remains a key topic, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel told the media on Monday. She was taking part in the EU Meets the Balkans Forum in Sofia Tech Park. Gabriel described Bulgaria's admission for air and sea travel as a good step.

Taking a reporter’s question, the outgoing Foreign Minister said that Bulgaria’s foreign partners would not give an assessment of the political situation in Bulgaria at this point, adding that the developments in this country are being followed with interest.

"I cannot give an assessment because I am not part of this Cabinet," Gabriel said about the caretaker cabinet lineup proposed by Prime Minister-designate Dimitar Glavchev last week. She noted it was important for her that the foreign minister could ensure continuity.

As to future negotiations with Continuing the Change - Democratic Bulgaria, Gabriel noted that it was important to maintain good manners and not cross boundaries that would make the conversation impossible.