The Chair of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Group in the European Parliament Graham Watson has stated that applying Article 7 of the Nice Treaty to Bulgaria, i.e. the freezing of its membership in the EU would be equal to "the pushing of the nuclear button".

Watson made the statement after his meeting Wednesday with the Deputy Chair of Bulgaria's ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms Kasim Dal in the European Parliament, the Bulgarian Information Agency BTA reported.

According to Watson, Article 7 of the Nice Treaty existed but it could be applied only to a state in a really bad situation, and the mentioning of this possibility regarding Bulgaria was a speculation.

With respect Bulgaria's difficulties regarding the absorption of EU funds under the PHARE, ISPA, and SAPARD Programs, Dal has informed Watson of the recent appointed of the new Deputy PM Meglena Plugchieva, who is in charge of monitoring and controlling the absorbing of EU money.

Watson said as well he hoped that after the new measures to control the spending of EU funds, the implementation of three programs would be able to continue. In his words, he did not have any inside information about the European Commission report on Bulgaria expected in late June or early July.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!