Bulgaria’s Parliament Adopted a Declaration Related to the Tensions in Macedonia

According to the Bulgarian Parliament, aggression towards MPs is an intolerable attack on the institution of parliament and on democracy, violence cannot be a means of resolving political disputes.

“We hope that the President of the Republic of Macedonia and the leading political powers take action to ease tensions and return to the field of politics, and we believe that resolving the crisis is possible only on the basis of compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the country. We call for wisdom and refraining from any provocation that could escalate into inter-ethnic conflict. This might have serious consequences for the Republic of Macedonia and will affect the stability and prospects for economic and social development in the region, " the declaration states.

Bulgarian Parliament expresses support for the state unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia.

Under the upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU, Bulgaria will work to speed up the process of Western Balkan countries joining the EU to ensure peace and development across Southeast Europe, the statement said.

Earlier Bulgaria's President Radev said that he was deeply concerned by the tensions in the Republic of Macedonia and the clashes the night before in the Parliament in Skopje, which led to many injured, including MPs.

“I call on all parties in the Republic of Macedonia to respect the democratic process and to engage in dialogue. Democracy and the democratic process are the way to resolve the crisis,” Radev said.