Turkish Envoy: Bulgarian Visas Hinder Bilateral Relations

The new Turkish Ambassador to Sofia visited the border area between the two countries for the first time. Photo by Impact Press Group

Bulgaria's entry visa regime for Turkish citizens poses a serious problem in the development of the relations between the two countries, according to the new Turkish Ambassador to Sofia, Ismail Aramaz.

Aramaz spoke during his visit to Edirne, saying the Turkish government is putting the issue on the table every time they talk to Bulgarian authorities. He pointed out the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, last raised the subject during his visit to Sofia in October, 2010.

"I know Bulgaria's main goal now is to join the Schengen zone, so, I assume the visa problem would be postponed for a later stage," the Ambassador said.

When asked by a reporter about his opinion on the situation of Bulgarian Muslims, Aramaz replied they must be given the opportunity to exercise their right to freely elect their Muftis and the forthcoming weekend conference in Sofia would be crucial in resolving the Mufti problem and for consolidating the trust and the brotherhood among Bulgaria's Muslims.

The Ambassador voiced opposition to Bulgaria's intentions to build a chicken-wire fence along the Turkish border, saying 21st century countries don't need such obsolete measures.

"As far as I know, the fence is to prevent the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Bulgarian authorities insist there is FMD in Turkey. I keep telling them there isn't. They have the right to build such fence though," Aramaz is quoted saying.

Ismail Aramaz was appointed Ambassador to Sofia 2.5 months ago. This was his first visit to the border area between Bulgaria and Turkey.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!