Opposition parties in parliament did not back the final document and recommendations on national security today. The Consultative Council on National Security (CCNS) adopted them after the attack on two civilian ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The ruling parties say the opposition is making the issue part of its election campaign.
The council met yesterday at the presidency. GERB leader Boyko Borisov asked Elena Yotova to make the security services' whole report on the attack public.
Democratic Bulgaria said none of its recommendations is in the document. Bozhidar Bozhanov said the majority rejected the party's two main proposals. The first was a note to Russia asking it to stop its aggressive acts in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone at once. The second was to confirm the stand of 51 countries, including the EU, calling for an immediate ceasefire by Russia.
We Continue the Change called the recommendations half-measures and long-term. The party says Bulgaria must use all its options in the EU and NATO to make the Black Sea safe and keep shipping free. Nikolay Denkov says the ruling parties focus mainly on calming people down.
"But the problem is that shots are being fired in the Black Sea and no ship can pass without feeling threatened," Denkov told parliament. He said there is no need for panic, but the problem must be named.
Revival says the cabinet should use every diplomatic move to improve ties with Russia and stop all support for Ukraine at once.
"The whole document shows in practice the bankruptcy of Bulgarian foreign policy," said Kostadin Kostadinov of Revival. He says Bulgarian foreign policy fears a clash with Russia and a clash with Brussels at the same time, and does not defend Bulgaria's interest before the European Commission.
Aleksandar Uzunov of the Progressive Bulgaria parliamentary group, speaking for the ruling parties, said the state's stand is adequate and timely. He said the council was convened and security in the Black Sea basin has been put at the highest level.