Bulgaria warns Ukraine war risks dangerous escalation
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has warned that attempts to resolve the war in Ukraine through military means could lead to a dangerous escalation, calling instead for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations.
“Diplomacy is the only sustainable and reliable solution to the conflict,” Radev said Friday, according to the Bulgarian news agency BTA.
He said he was particularly concerned about the continued escalation of the war and urged “reason, dialogue, a ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table.”
Sofia to assess new sanctions
Speaking about Germany's decision to impose new sanctions on Russia following an alleged drone attack near Leipzig Airport, Radev said Bulgaria would carefully assess any proposed measures and their potential impact on the country.
“Bulgaria is part of the common European decisions,” he said, adding that Sofia would continue to support common EU positions while defending its national interests.
“We do not hesitate to raise Bulgaria’s national interest in Brussels, explain our position to our European partners and work to achieve Bulgaria’s objectives,” Radev said.
He pointed to Bulgaria's previous success in securing the exclusion of three individuals from sanctions as an example of protecting the country's interests within the EU.
Radev cites Greece
Radev also cited Greece as an example of an EU member state defending its national interests, saying Athens had delayed the implementation of sanctions and secured an exemption allowing EU-operated tankers to transport liquefied natural gas to a non-EU country.
“The EU can be strong only when each member state defends its own interests,” he said.
Germany announces measures against Russia
Germany officially blamed Russia on Tuesday for an attempted drone attack near Leipzig Airport and announced a new package of sanctions against Moscow.
The measures include closing Russia's Consulate General in Bonn by Sept. 18, ending a 2011 German-Russian agreement on cultural centers and shutting the Russian House in Berlin.
Germany also ordered Russian diplomatic staff and their families to leave the country as soon as possible.
Source:AA
