site.btaBulgaria Urges End of Russia's Aggression of Ukraine, Withdrawal from Occupied Territories

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev highlighted his country's unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgiev's Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. Addressing the 134th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) in Luxembourg, the chief Bulgarian diplomat called for an immediate cessation of Russia's military aggression and unconditional withdrawal from the occupied Ukrainian territories.

"We welcome the 'New Democratic Pact for Europe' Initiative," Georgiev said at the session at which CoE Secretary General Alain Berset presented the initiative.

"The CoE must be one of the guarantors of freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights," the Foreign Minister said. He pointed out that Bulgaria is ready for active participation in the initiative, which is supposed to contribute to safeguarding the principles of democracy and strengthening European unity.

"The Council of Europe sets the international standards in response to challenges facing citizens in the present-day world," Georgiev pointed out, also noting the challenges to the Council of Europe and its member States.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs further called for support to the Western Balkan countries, taking account of their importance for Europe's security and stability. In this connection, Georgiev stressed Bulgaria's backing for the accession of Kosovo to the Council of Europe, which will open up new opportunities to all citizens of that country and will contribute to stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans at large.