site.btaDemocratic Bulgaria MP Atanassov Asks PM Radev Why Bulgaria Sought Exemption for Iskander Makhmudov from EU Sanctions against Russia

Deputy Parliament Chair and Democratic Bulgaria MP Atanas Atanassov has submitted a parliamentary question to Prime Minister Rumen Radev seeking an explanation of why Bulgaria requested that Iskander Makhmudov be excluded from the European Union's 21st sanctions package against Russia, the press centre of the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (part of the Democratic Bulgaria coalition) said on Tuesday.

According to Atanassov, his first question concerns why, when presenting Bulgaria's position publicly, the government initially mentioned only Russian Patriarch Kirill and Vagit Alekperov, while it became known only later that Bulgaria had also sought an exemption for Makhmudov, who is under sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

Atanassov also asked whether the government had taken into account Makhmudov's long-standing business ties with Michael Chorny when formulating its position.

In his parliamentary question, Atanassov recalled that, as Director of the National Security Service in 2000, he signed the order expelling Michael Chorny from Bulgaria on the grounds that his activities posed a threat to national security.

In April, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union had begun preparations for a 21st sanctions package against Russia. In June, Prime Minister Radev told reporters that Bulgaria would not support sanctions against Russia that would have a negative impact on the Bulgarian economy. A day earlier, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said Bulgaria opposed imposing what she described as symbolic sanctions related to Russian Patriarch Kirill.

Progressive Bulgaria Floor Leader Petar Vitanov later said Bulgaria's position was based on two principles: that it should not support sanctions causing greater damage to the European economy than to Russia, and that it should protect Bulgaria's national interest and economy.

Speaking in Parliament later, Radev said Bulgaria would enter reservations to the EU sanctions package in response to a question from Democratic Bulgaria MP Yordan Ivanov. A few days later, the government approved Bulgaria's position on the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia and Belarus, confirming the reservations announced by the Prime Minister. At the time, the Council of Ministers said Bulgaria supported the EU's policy of increasing pressure on Russia to encourage serious negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

According to Democratic Bulgaria Deputy Floor Leader Bozhidar Bozhanov, the government's intention to veto sanctions against Russia is a strategic mistake. Continue the Change Floor Leader Nikolay Denkov likewise argued that Radev's position would isolate Bulgaria from its European partners and have serious political and economic consequences.

Vazrazhdane's Tsoncho Ganev, for his part, said it was important for the government to veto the entire sanctions package affecting Bulgaria's economic interests.

A few days ago, the EU postponed until July 23 a possible agreement on a new sanctions package against Russia after Member States failed to reach a compromise in Brussels.