Bulgarian Socialists Slam PM over Somali Pirate Ransom Payment

Politics » DIPLOMACY | January 7, 2010, Thursday // 17:34
Bulgarian Socialists Slam PM over Somali Pirate Ransom Payment: Bulgarian Socialists Slam PM over Somali Pirate Ransom Payment BSP secretary, Korneliya Ninova, said that her party would make a request in Parliament to find out how Borisov paid the ransom. Photo by BGNES

The Bulgarian Socialist Party has slammed Wednesday’s statement by Bulgaria PM Boyko Borisov regarding the payment of a ransom for Bulgarian sailors.

BSP MP Kiril Dobrev stated Thursday that Borisov’s comments yet again showed that the current center-right GERB government can not cope with foreign policy.

“Regarding what was said yesterday, is it true or it is yet another blunder? Because if it is true, can I ask a few questions: When will our current 13 Bulgarian sailors being held by Somali pirates be released? Does Borisov only negotiate for the release of our sailors or for our partners as well? Can all kidnapped Bulgarian citizens rely on the GERB government to pay for their release? Last question - With what money did Mr. Borisov pay the ransom money, from the 2010 or 2009 state budget, or from his personal pocket?

BSP secretary, Korneliya Ninova, said that her party would make a request in Parliament to find out how Borisov paid the ransom. She added that most countries have a policy of not giving in to the demands of terrorists.

Borisov replied by saying that "I leave today's press conference of the BSP on the conscience of the BSP party leader and former Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev." He added; "I hope Mr Stanishev says what financial obligations he has left for me and the new government."

On Wednesday Borisov stated that a ransom had been paid by his government for the release of Bulgarian sailors but he did not state for which case or any specific details.

The Malaspina Castle ship was hijacked on April 6, 2009, in the Gulf of Aden. 16 of its 24-member crew were Bulgarians. A USD 2 M ransom was allegedly paid for the release of the crew but this happened before Borisov came to power.

Last week two UK-flagged ships – the St. James Park and Asian Glory – were hijacked by Somali pirates with a total of 13 Bulgarian sailors on board.

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Tags: somali pirates, Boyko Borisov, Kiril Dobrev, BSP

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