The Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov has defined as "patronizing" the suggestion of the French Ambassador to Bulgaria, Etienne de Poncins, that Bulgaria should appoint a Minister on Roma issues.

"The expulsion of Bulgarian and Romanian Roma was not made in a good European tone and was not aligned with the European values and rules, settled even before out EU membership," Parvanov said.

The statement by the Bulgarian President came as a response to Poncins, who said that one of the challenges in front of Bulgaria's future development is the integration of Roma.

"The statement by the French Ambassador to Bulgaria sounded patronizing. We know very well our problems with the Roma. Many governments, including the current one, have tried to find a solution for the social educational integration of the Roma in Bulgaria. However, this issue cannot be solved immediately," Parvanov said.

He added that the problem with the Roma has existed for decades and it would probably take many more years before an efficient solution is found.

"An edifying tone, especially coming from ambassadors, would not solve the problem, but would rather create tension," the Bulgarian President said.

Parvanov also stated that he does not find normal "the group repatriation".

"If there are people who have violated the law, then this information should be made public by the Bulgarian authorities. This case gives the impression of imputing a fault upon the Roma on an ethnic basis. This should not happen in any case," he said.

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