The decision of the Bulgarian government to change the nomination of the country for the post UN Secretary General had nothing to do with Russia, stated on Friday the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Mariya Zaharova, cited by BNT.

“I would like to emphasise that this decision has nothing to do with us. This is the decision of the Bulgarian government. I would very much like to hope that this is a sovereign decision,” stated Zaharova.

“The minute there was speculation that Russia is involved in the change of Bulgaria’s candidate, we expressed our position clearly: we do not take part in such unofficial, behind-the-curtains games,” added Zaharova.

Zaharova expressed hope that Bulgarian citizens would also understand that “Russia has nothing to do with this. Besides the fact that the desire to involve us, to, at least information-wise, make us look radical was very strong.”

On Wednesday, the Bulgarian government shifted its support from the former nominee Irina Bokova to EC Vice President Kristalina Georgieva.