site.btaForeign Ministry Issues Statement Against Holding of Lukov March in Sofia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs opposes the planned holding of the Lukov March in Sofia and calls on the responsible institutions to take all legal actions to prevent it, the Ministry said on Friday. 

Lukov March is a torchlit procession which has been taking place annually in February since 2003 to mark the anniversary of General Hristo Lukov's execution-style murder by two Communist militants in his home in Sofia's Trakia Street. Lukov (1888-1943) was a popular military commander but was also known for his close links to the Third Reich and his activity as leader of the far-right Union of Bulgarian National Legions.
 
According to the Ministry, such events are incompatible with the values ​​and traditions of Bulgarian society and Bulgaria will not have its territory used as a stage for an international display of extremism, intolerance, discrimination and hatred, the position further says. The Foreign Ministry added that such events are used to cast Bulgaria unjustly in a negative light and to overshadow its human rights achievements. 
 
The Ministry also said it would continue to consistently oppose any attempt to sow division and intolerance in society, as well as actions that undermine Bulgaria's international standing, and will remain actively engaged in the coordinated efforts of Bulgarian institutions to counter hatred, discrimination and antisemitism. 
 
The Lukov March is planned for February 14, according to the event's website. The organizers are the Bulgarian National Union.