site.btaVazrazhdane Slams Culture Ministry for Refusing to Host UNESCO Meeting

The day in the National Assembly began with a declaration on behalf of the parliamentary group of Vazrazhdane against the decision of the Culture Ministry to refuse to host the 47th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee. Angel Yanchev, who presented the declaration, said the refusal constitutes a "diplomatic disgrace".

“The refusal also deals a heavy blow to our cultural identity,” he said, adding that instead of making the most of hosting the assembly, Bulgaria chooses to shirk its responsibilities. As a case in point, he mentioned the ancient town of Nessebar on the Black Sea coast, which is at risk to be removed from the UNESCO list after years of careless maintenance. The MP noted that instead of taking a leadership role, Culture Minister Marian Bachev had chosen the path of least resistance - capitulation.