Ruling GERB Party: Russia Is Not a Threat to Bulgaria

Sofia, February 11 (BTA) - "Russia is not a threat to Bulgaria.
The biggest threat comes from those, who are spreading rumours
that we are preparing for a war," Valentin Radev said from the
parliamentary rostrum on Wednesday reading a declaration on
behalf of the Parliamentary Group of the GERB Party.

GERB urged the other parliamentary represented parties not to
instill fear into the Bulgarian citizens. "At a time when
complex issues are to be resolved in the world politics, we
should find the best solutions for Bulgaria," the declaration
also said.

Being a NATO member-state, Bulgaria is a part of the armed
forces of the Alliance and, therefore, any accusations and fears
that servicemen and units of the organization will stay on
Bulgarian territory are ridiculous.

A decision on the establishment of coordination centres not only
in Bulgaria but, also, in Romania, Latvia and Estonia was taken
already last September and this is not a preparation for a war.
Such centres cannot be used for invasion, the declaration said.


Radev recalled that there is an operational NATO centre for
crisis management and prevention even now. The establishment of
the coordination structure is a step towards adjustment to a new
security environment, GERB said. The assumption that the centre
may take over other tasks is a political speculation, according
to the party.

The incumbents believe that, while the numerical strength of the
Bulgarian army has been preserved, the capital expenditures of
the Defence Ministry budget should increase several times. The
budget allocation for this year has been raised by 4 million
leva, which shows the Government's conviction that there is a
need of rearmament.

The draft amendments to the Armed Forces Act, submitted to
Parliament, aim to allow Bulgarian servicemen and civilians to
take posts in the NATO structures on the country's territory.
Radev recalled that similar amendments were adopted by the
previous government of Plamen Oresharski. The new amendments are
to be considered by the competent parliamentary committees. At
present Bulgarian officers hold over 40 senior positions in
NATO.

In the meantime, Patriotic Front Co-Chair Krassimir Karakachanov
read a decleration insisting on taking urgent measures in
support of the Bulgarians in Ukraine. He suggested that the
President should convene the Consultative Council on National
Security in order to consider this issue.