site.btaPM Zhelyazkov: Bulgaria to Insist before Greek Authorities on Opening of Rudozem-Xanthi Border Crossing by 2026

The Rudozem-Xanthi border crossing between Bulgaria and Greece as well as the road leading to it on Bulgarian territory are fully ready for operation. The Government will insist before the Greek authorities that the crossing become operational at least for cars and tourist traffic no later than next year, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told journalists in Chepelare on Thursday. He was in the southern town for the official opening of the completely renovated town centre and pedestrian street, the Government Information Service reported.

“You know that we have bilateral issues that are currently subject to resolution and, therefore, this issue should be taken out of context and away from other bilateral issues to be resolved in the best way for both sides,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the Rudozem bypass was also nearing completion. A working meeting will be held next week with the Mayor of Rudozem to review the updated technical design for this road as well as its financing. Funds for this will be budgeted for next year. “Within this year, we will complete the work projects on the third lane in three sections - one before Chepelare and two sections on the Chepelare-Smolyan road, and eventually next year we can expect the tender and the start of construction, which will certainly ease the heavy traffic and the traffic jams that form in the critical parts of the road,” Zhelyazkov explained. Until the bypass is completed, traffic will pass through Rudozem.