site.btaForeign Ministry Summons North Macedonia's Charge d'Affaires over Diplomatic Vehicles Arson

The Foreign Ministry summoned North Macedonia’s charge d’affaires in Sofia over the June 15 arson attack on two Bulgarian diplomatic vehicles, the Foreign Ministry press service said here Tuesday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Christo Polendakov said Bulgaria condemned in the strongest terms the demonstrative act of aggression, unprecedented in bilateral relations, which endangered the health and lives of Bulgarian Embassy staff and nearby residents of North Macedonia’s capital.

Bulgaria notes the statements by official institutions in the neighbouring country and the swift action by the competent authorities, which led to the perpetrator’s detention. At the same time, Bulgaria expects an effective investigation and the administration of justice in the case, making it unequivocally clear that such acts are unacceptable, Polendakov said.

Polendakov added that upholding the rule of law and taking effective action to prevent and combat hate crimes are crucial for any country seeking to safeguard its European future.

Any attempts to instil fear among Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia are unacceptable, and the Bulgarian State will continue to use all established mechanisms to oppose them, the Foreign Ministry added.

Two vehicles with diplomatic registration plates were set on fire outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje on Monday.

The attacked prompted strong reactions from Bulgarian institutions, political parties and North Macedonia’s Government. Police have arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of setting fire to the vehicles.