site.btaComments on Borislav Gutsanov's Participation in Russian Embassy Event

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov and Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov Wednesday commented on a participation by Borislav Gutsanov, who is the Labour and Social Policy Minister, in an event organized by the Russian Embassy.

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Tuesday announced in a press release that Gutsanov had taken part in an international conference on "Transition from Unipolar to Multipolar World. Europe - Balkans - Bulgaria" held on the occasion of the 95th birth anniversary of Yevgeny Primakov (1929-2015), full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The organizers were the Bulgaria-Russia Forum and the Russian Embassy.

Gutsanov said in his address at the conference: "The fact that this conference is being held in Sofia is a very clear sign of the wind of change that can be seen worldwide." He also strongly defended a position he has always supported - that Bulgaria has its place in Brussels, but its dialogue with the East - with Russia and China - is extremely important, the press release said.

Genov commented that this participation was not appropriate because Russia has declared Bulgaria an "unfriendly" state, but "if he has some personal sentiment and is not acting in his capacity as a minister, it was his own decision". Asked if BSP would seek an explanation from Gutsanov, Genov responded in the affirmative, adding that it is necessary to consider carefully where participation is appropriate.

Zafirov, who is the Socialist Party's acting Chairman, said: "He attended a scientific conference as a guest." When asked if Gutsanov had spoken with Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova, Zafirov said that, as far as he knew, the diplomat was present at the conference, but the event was not held at the Russian Embassy nor was it "deliberately orchestrated". Questioned in what capacity Gutsanov attended the event, the Deputy Prime Minister said this question should be put to Gutsanov himself.