EC to Abstain from Bulgaria-Macedonia Cultural Dispute

The European Commission (EC) will not nterfere into the dispute between Bulgaria and Macedonia concerning cultural and historical heritage and wants the two countries to resolve the issue through bilateral dialogue, according to Peter Stano, Spokesperson for EC Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule.

The latest argument between Bulgaria and Macedonia was triggered by the scandalous Macedonian film titled "Third Halftime"released a few days ago.

Bulgarian politicians and historians argued that the film presented a skewed interpretation of the events of World War II and even incited hatred against Bulgaria.

Bulgarian nationalist party VMRO requested a response from the Foreign Ministry, calling the film a provocation.

"We shall not comment on the feelings or interpretations of any of the sides," Sano said, as cited by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

"Since we are talking about a film which recreates the events of World War II, it is recommendable that historians hold an in-depth debate on it. It is no job of the EC, however, to judge or to say whose interpretations are wrong or right," he added.

The Spokesperson for the EC Enlargement Commissioner made clear that if expert testimony evaluated the film as problematic, the injured party could take the corresponding legal measures and the EC could only after that step into its role as a guardian of the EC Treaty

Sano reiterated that the two countries had to seek a joint solution of the matter.

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