The co-chairman of “We continue the change“ Assen Vassilev once again entered into a direct dispute with representatives of the media. This time the conflict between the former finance minister and the fourth power was over a question about Kiril Petkov's behavior in the hall, reports novini.bg.
Vassilev defended his colleague and stated in the face of one of the reporters that she had lied, that the plenary session was interrupted because of Petkov.
You just lied! Why did you lie? The parliament was interrupted because of a request from “Vazrazhdane“ for additional people to be heard, and not because of what you are saying. We condemn your behavior at the moment. I want you to apologize, Assen Vassilev urged her.
By the way, before this clash on the sidelines of the parliament, the topic of the briefing by Assen Vassilev and Nikolay Denkov was the expired agreement between Bulgaria and Greece on the use of the waters of the Arda River for agricultural purposes by our southern neighbors.
Bulgaria's interest had to be protected and it was protected in the negotiating position that was adopted by the Council of Ministers at an operational meeting. The negotiating position and negotiations with Greece led to the development of a draft agreement, which was to be finally discussed with the legal teams and the relevant foreign ministries, said Asen Vassilev.
Our position was that the economic agreement should be extended for another 60 years, but in three parts: the first part is for the waters of Arda, which if used outside the time zones that are best for Bulgarian energy, should be paid accordingly. The second part concerns Bulgaria receiving 60-year access to the port of Alexandroupolis with its adjacent economic zone and the third part - from Alexandroupolis to Ruse, a highway should be built via Makaza. You know that this was also included in NATO's plans, as well as a fast rail link from Alexandroupolis to Kapitan Andreevo and from there to Northern Bulgaria via Silistra to Romania. These were the three requirements of our country that were set out in the agreement, he added.
In my opinion, this is a good external position, because a long-term agreement is being signed that gives our business access to a Mediterranean port for 60 years. On the other hand, it allows about 10% of the waters of the Arda to support Greek agriculture, explained the co-chair of the PP.
These things are discussed after an agreement has been reached and everything has been done. We see that “Vazrazhdane“, in its desire to sabotage the process, is bringing it into the hall before the negotiation process has finished, specified Assen Vassilev.
According to him, there was agreement in principle on all three points from the Greek side.
We were at the final stage of signing an agreement between the two governments. Only some final details were to be specified. The contract was for final review at the Foreign Ministry. But from then on, the caretaker cabinet did nothing about the matter. We hope that this regular cabinet will complete the process, because this will be the best protection of the Bulgarian national interest, assured Vassilev.