site.btaFormer MRF Parliamentary Group MPs Protest against "Attempts to Inspire Ethnic Tensions"

MPs who have left the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) parliamentary group, on Friday voiced strong disapproval of what they see as attempts to inspire ethnic tensions in Bulgaria. "We resent the fact that a longtime MRF member with more than 25 years of background, who has risen to the rank of Deputy Chairperson of the MRF, is trying to spread discord among our members, supporters and the Bulgarian public," Valentin Tonchev MP told journalists in the National Assembly.

Tonchev, who is one of those who have left the parliamentary group, was referring to National Assembly Deputy Chair Yordan Tsonev's remarks in a televised interview earlier in the day. Tsonev vowed in the interview that he will remain on the team of MRF Chairman Delyan Peevski. He said that if the rift in the MRF and the expulsion of members from the parliamentary group continue, for the first time he will not stay by the side of MRF Honorary Chairman Ahmed Dogan, although he respects Dogan.

Tonchev commented on Tsonev's words by saying: "Dr Ahmed Dogan is the vehicle of ethnic peace in Bulgaria. The MRF has proven over the years that it is the party which builds bridges." Tonchev predicted that the attempts to sow discord and ethnic tensions will fail.

He went on to say: "After our opponents realized that they could not take control of the party and everyone stood with Dr Ahmed Dogan, they began looking for other ways of manipulation and disinformation to undermine the party's foundations."

"We will emerge from this situation stronger. I want to repeat that Dr Dogan brought ethnic peace to Bulgaria," Tonchev said, noting that Dogan received the Order of the Balkan Range, First Class, back in 2004. The MP recalled that the MRF has signed all international agreements on human rights and minority rights. "Down with discrimination! Down with sowing ethnic tensions in Bulgaria!" Tonchev said.