Turkish Deputy PM: Some Bulgarian Politicians Are Xenophobic

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, Bulent Ar?nc (first on right). Photo by BGNES

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, Bulent Ar?nc, says the xenophobic actions of some Bulgarian politicians are causing serious alarm in Turkey, according to Turkish media reports.

Arinc spoke during a meeting in Turkey with representatives of the Bulgarian ethnic Turkish party Movement for Rights and Freedoms, DPS.

"Bulgarian politicians purposely stir hate towards Turkey and the Turkish people. The fight of DPS against such actions is just and we support them," the Turkish Deputy PM is quoted saying.

Arinc pointed out the leader of the Bulgarian far-right, nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, as the most drastic example of xenophobia.

The Turkish politician stated DPS is not an ethnic party, but a Bulgarian political organization, registered according to Bulgarian laws and for this reason Bulgarian ethnic Turks are supporting it and have become its members.

"The success of DPS is an international example; its activities are epic. It deserves analysis and writing of books," Arinc says.

The DPS delegation has also visited the Turkish city of Bursa, home of a large Bulgarian ethnic Turkish community. They have appealed to local businessmen to invest in Bulgaria.

The delegation included representatives of the party's central leadership, Members of the Bulgarian and European Parliaments, and local politicians.

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