Burgas Launches Ambitious Bid for European Capital of Culture 2032
Burgas has officially launched its bid to become the European Capital of Culture for 2032, taking the first step in the extensive preparation process
The ruling center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB, will run solo at the 2013 general election, according to Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov.
Speaking for Nova TV Saturday, Tsvetanov, who is also the Vice Chairman of the party and Deputy Prime Minister, said the lists of candidates will be known around Easter.
He further stated that if the need to have a coalition Cabinet emerges after the outcome of the election becomes known, GERB will seek as allies other parties in Bulgaria that are also members of the European People's Party, EPP. He designated the right-wing Union of Democratic Forces, UDF, as a likely coalition partner.
Regarding the recent visit of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, to Washington DC, and his meeting with US President, Barack Obama, Tsvetanov stated that the official visit has been at an unprecedented for Bulgaria high-level. He added that before 2009, when his party won the term in office, America did not trust Bulgaria's ruling politicians and even refused to grant them US entry visas.
Regarding the July 18 terror act at the Sarafovo airport near the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Burgas, the Minister informed the "probe was advancing," but the details must remain classified, and could become public in the upcoming months. He confirmed earlier statements that the perpetrator and his likely accomplices were all foreign citizens.
"The Americans did not pressure us to say something in particular about the bombing, to admit something. Since the first hour after the attack we had their full support and assistance," said he.
Five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver were killed in the July 18 terrorist attack in the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Burgas. 32 Israeli tourists were injured. Israeli and American intelligence and officials largely blame Hezbollah for the attack.
However, Bulgarian officials, including the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, have been very wary of directly involving Hezbollah, reiterating it all depended on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Recently, European diplomats were quoted saying that he results of Bulgaria's probe in July's bombing of an Israeli tour bus, including a possible Hezbollah lead, will be "essential" for the EU process to list the Lebanese organization as a terrorist entity.
The US included Hezbollah in the list of terrorist organizations as early as 1995.
Before Borisov's trip to Washington DC, the new US Ambassador in Sofia, Marcie Ries, stressed Obama was expecting to hear from Borisov the latest developments in the probe in the Burgas terror act, during their December 3 meeting at the White House.
At the end of the interview, Tsvetanov explained that he was aware that many people in Bulgaria were angry with him, but he did not care, obviously hinting these individuals are from the underworld.
Kenneth Merten has stepped down as U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria following the inauguration of President Donald Trump
Bulgaria has expressed its relief and joy following the release of its citizen, Daniella Gilboa, who had been held captive by Hamas
H.E. Ambassador Arun Kumar Sahu delivered a speech at the MENAR Film Festival 2025 in Bulgaria, highlighting the screening of the Gujarati film Hellaro
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has deepened its collaboration with Bulgaria through a series of agreements aimed at advancing the country's infrastructure, energy, and cybersecurity capabilities
Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov stated that the country does not anticipate a rise in migration from the Middle East, and believes that the current situation could lead to a reverse trend
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Bulgaria has announced ongoing efforts to secure safe departure options for Bulgarian citizens currently residing in Syria and wishing to leave
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