Bulgarian Politicians Renew Dispute over Turkish-Language News

Krasimir Karakachanov (R) with the PF's other co-Chairman Valeri Simeonov (L). Photo by BGNES

The nationalist coalition called Patriotic Front (PF) will give the ruling axis 100 days to have Turkish- language news off the air.  

For weeks the PF has been insisting the broadcasts, which have been aired for about fifteen years on the public broadcaster Bulgarian National Television's BNT1 channel, should be rescheduled.

"Three and a half months - [this is] enough time for such a petty issue to be tackled," Krasimir Karakachanov, leader of one of PF's main parties VMRO, told Darik Radio.

In Karakachanov's words the news bulletin could be redirected to the regional programs (aired on BNT2, a channel established a few years ago) where a Turkish-speaking population can be found.

Korman Ismailov, from the junior coalition partner Reformist Bloc (RB), later retorted that there was "no serious reason and ground" to remove Turkish-language news.

However, he believes they can be transmitted by the BNT2 and "cultural programs" could be included to meet more adequately the needs of the Turkish-speaking minority.

Ismailov heads the Freedom and Dignity People's Party (NPSD), much criticized by the PF despite its support for the government.

The right-leaning coalition earlier stressed it was committed to finding a new solution to address the inefficiency of the Turkish-language bulletin as it is now.

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), Bulgaria's third-largest political force dominated by ethnic Turks, says such a move could divide the Bulgarian society along ethnic lines.

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