Bulgaria’s PM Voices ‘Moderate Optimism’ over Ukraine Ceasefire

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boyko Borisov took part in an EU summit in Brussels on February 12. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has expressed ‘moderate optimism’ about the Ukraine ceasefire.

Speaking during Thursday’s EU summit in Brussels, he expressed appreciation for the huge efforts of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in the marathon 17-hour talks preceding the Minsk agreement.

Borisov, as cited by the Bulgarian government’s press office, noted that the hard-won agreement signed in Minsk was fragile.
He drew attention to the fact that the ceasefire was to take effect on Sunday, meaning that military operations resulting in new victims could be held over the next few days.

“We are all moderate optimists. It all depends to a large degree on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the commitment that he made. Judging by my knowledge of the leaders, I sincerely hope that they will keep their promise. In the case of a collapse of this fragile peace, which is mutually respected, there will be nobody left to engage in negotiations. Everybody hopes that a peaceful settlement of the conflict will be achieved,” Borisov stated late on Thursday.

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister pointed out that the progress of the Bulgarian services on the investigation of the 2012 Burgas bus bombing had been recognized during Thursday’s meeting of EU leaders, as well as Bulgaria’s assistance to French services.

Commenting on the situation in Greece, Borisov insisted that EU Member States had to observe the Lisbon Treaty and the Maastricht criteria.

“Actions violating financial discipline are not to be tolerated,” Bulgaria’s Prime Minister underscored.

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