Bulgarian-Turkish Border Checkpoint Open for Car, Bus Traffic

Protesting Bulgarian truckers have been staging blockades at Kapitan Andreevo on the Turkish-Bulgarian border. Photo by BGNES

The Kapitan Andreevo-Kapakule border crossing point between Bulgaria and Turkey is open for traffic, according to the Bulgarian border police.

Chief Commissioner, Zaharin Petrov, from the border police, is quoted saying the protest of Turkish drivers has been halted and cars, buses, and minivans, are moving through the checkpoint.

Shortly after 12 noon on Friday, Turkish drivers blocked the road on the Turkish side, about 4 km away from the checkpoint in sign of protest against the blockade staged by tractor trailers on the Bulgarian side.

The Bulgarian side, during the entire time of protests which started last week, has been open for cars and buses.

The Turkish protest stirred further outrage among Bulgarian demonstrators as they stress the blockade across the border affected innocent passengers, including elderly, sick, and small children, who ended up being stranded by it.

On Thursday, Bulgaria's caretaker Cabinet reported that Turkey has made the commitment to recall the restrictions that outraged Bulgarian truck owners and drivers.

The latter say they want to see the Turkish promise in writing.

Drivers and truck owners are protesting the hurdles for their business on the other side of the border and unfair competition. They complain from unfounded restrictions such as not allowing into Turkish territory trucks carrying over 500 liters of fuel or making drivers wait at the Turkish border for days.

One of the transport company owners, Georgi Donchev, was quoted saying earlier the Bulgarian State must do something to protect their business and income as they provide jobs and have families to feed.

Donchev informed that he had access to a letter signed by the Turkish Customs Chief asking subordinates to conduct stricter checks of foreign vehicles, particularly Bulgarian ones. He explained drivers were often forced to resolve their problems though bribes.

The tractor trailer line Friday morning was reported as 8-km long.

Turkey has made the commitment to alleviate the regime after actions of Bulgarian Ambassador in Ankara. The Bulgarian Consul in Edirne also confirmed the information.

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