Bulgaria's interior minister has persisted with criticisms of the country's justice system, despite accusations from abroad that his statements erode confidence in the judiciary and threaten to undermine the magistrates' independence.

"If the Ministry of Interior was not working as it does, the mafia would have a state," Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov stated in an interview for Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

Tsvetanov reiterated his criticism of Bulgaria's judiciary, calling on the magistrates to at least refrain from obstructing European Arrest Warrants.

"I believe that the Europol Director gave a very clear assessment of the report and its content yesterday. The paper is not evaluative in nature. It dwells on the existing problems, on the transformations of organized crime and the future trends in the sphere. The aim is to compile a list of the most appropriate measures, which will be synchronized with EU countries under the coordination of Europol. This will enable a more efficient approach towards organized crime", Tsvetanov explained.

The interior minister emphasized the progress in the prosecution service, citing a two-fold increase in indictments filed by the Bulgarian prosecution in 2010 and a decrease in indictments returned for further investigation.

"The judiciary is our natural partner", Tsvetanov said, while also noting that the high number of suspended sentences created the impression that "in Bulgaria everyone can buy everything".

Tsvetanov again sided with the claim of US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick that two justice systems were at work in Bulgaria- one for the poor and one for the rich.

According to Tsvetanov, Bulgarians have grown proficient at forging Euro banknotes and fake credit cards. The tendency was confirmed by the Monday media statement of Europol Director Rob Wainwright.

The Bulgarian Interior Minister focused on the essential role of the judiciary in the fight against organized crime, saying that the executive and the legislature in entire Europe have always relied on the judiciary as an ally with an objective view on the gravity of a certain crime.

"Naturally, the judiciary is also the one in charge of handing down just sentences to the offenders", Tsvetanov added.

Regarding GERB's presidential bids, Tsvetanov again stated that it was normal for a political formation to nominate its leader. He refused to give further details, saying that the final decision for the presidential candidate would be taken in July or August.

Minister Tsvetanov refused to confirm or reject the alleged involvement of former football boss Georgi Bachev in the so-called "black lotto".

He also said that the results of the inspection of the recorded arrest of Tencho Popov would be announced Tuesday. If the police brutality check of the arrest of the ex Secretary of the Finance Ministry came in positive the respective penalties would be imposed, Tsvetanov assured.

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