site.btaPM Says Prince Alexander I of Battenberg Symbolizes Bulgaria's National Unification

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters here on Tuesday that Prince Alexander I of Battenberg (reigned between 1879 and 1886) will forever remain in the pantheon of Bulgarian memory as one of the rulers who symbolize Bulgaria's national destiny and unification. Zhelyazkov was in Montenegro to unveil a bust of Alexander I of Battenberg at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Montenegro.

Zhelyazkov said that the monarch was the first statesperson of Bulgaria to visit Montenegro after Bulgaria's liberation in 1878.

Zhelyazkov said: "Battenberg will always remain in the Bulgarian consciousness as the Bulgarian ruler who led the young officers and first lieutenants during the tumultuous days of the Unification and the Bulgarian-Serbian War, which followed the process of Unification and the defense of a united Bulgaria before the Great Powers at the cost of his authority, at the cost of his youthful audacity." The Prime Minister pointed out that Alexander I was only 28, when he headed the Bulgarian armed forces, where the highest ranked officer at the time was only captain. 

Zhelyazkov said that regardless of the fact that Alexander I was a prince from Hesse, Germany, regardless of the turbulence in his life, his forced abdication, his life remains forever connected with Bulgaria. He was buried in Sofia, in accordance with his wishes.

The Prime Minister thanked Boyko Mitkov, the sculptor behind the bust. He also thanked the mayors of Sadovo, Brezovo, and Sopot, as well as Boris Vukicevic from the University of Montenegro.

The official Bulgarian delegation was completed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh, and Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov.