Pope Francis with Leonid Sevastianov and Svetlana Kasyan
On May 7, Russian head of the Worldwide Union of Old Believers (Old believers are Eastern Orthodox Christians who maintain the liturgical and ritual practices of the Russian Orthodox Church as they were before the reforms of Patriarch Nikon of Moscow between 1652 and 1666) Leonid Sevastianov received a personal handwritten letter from Pope Francis.
The letter was addressed also to Svetlana Kasyan, a famous Russian opera singer and Leonid’s wife. The Pope thanked them for their “attitude of peace” adding “we Christians must be ambassadors of peace, carrying out peace, preaching peace, living in peace.”
Letter from Pope Francis to Leonid Sebastianov
The two religious leaders Leonid and Francis know each other well, and it’s pretty obvious that the latter finds a more friendly ear with the first than with Patriarch of Moscow Kirill, in these times of war. Kirill has been using his position to help Kremlin’s propaganda justifying the war in Ukraine, whilst Leonid Sevastianov, still living in Moscow, has bravely voiced his opinion that Kirill was seriously erring, and that war was at least questionable: “We do not know why this war: for what reasons? For what objectives?” he said, not avoiding the term despite the Russian law forbidding the use of the word “war” when speaking about Ukraine invasion by Russian troops. And as regards Kirill: “Logic would have it that Easter be a moment of humanity, and not of politics. But Kirill’s statements indicate otherwise. And they denote heresy.”
Those are strong statements that echo those of Francis in Corriere della Sera after he spoke to Kirill: “The patriarch cannot transform himself into Putin’s altar boy.”
Francis is also a big fan of Svetlana Kasyan, and recently she released her first solo album which she called “Fratelli Tutti”, in homage to the Pope’s encyclique published a year before. The title and the concept of the album, heading for universal peace amongst people of any country and any faith, was kind of prophetic: there is more than ever a need for more understanding, more love, more brotherhood. That is also the message of Sevastianov, a message that he would love to get across to the political leaders of the country he lives in.
These last months, Kirill has been disavowed by hundreds of Orthodox leaders and priests all around the world, but also in Russia, despite the risk that anyone criticizing the war and its defenders takes. In the future, when this will be over, it might happen that the Russian Orthodox Church entirely loses its power even in Russia, and who knows who will be able to gain spiritual leadership then. In fact, it might be anyone but the current leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has already too much compromised itself into politics and warmongering.
Parliament committees back setting up a new fund to help vulnerable citizens cope with the increased costs of the energy transition.
The committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) adopted today, with 107 votes in favour, 16 against and 15 abstentions, their position on the Commission proposal to establish a Social Climate Fund. The new fund will benefit households, micro-enterprises and transport users that are vulnerable and particularly affected by the impact of the transition towards climate neutrality.
Addressing energy and mobility poverty
EU member states will be required to submit “Social Climate Plans”, after consulting with local and regional authorities, economic and social partners as well as civil society. The plans should contain a coherent set of measures to address energy and mobility poverty.
Firstly, temporary direct income support measures would be funded (such as a reduction in energy taxes and fees) to tackle the increase in road transport and heating fuel prices. According to MEPs, such support would be limited to a maximum of 40% of the total estimated cost of each national plan for the period 2024-2027, and would be phased out by the end of 2032.
Secondly, the fund would cover investments in buildings renovation, renewable energy and a shift from private to public transport, car-pooling and car-sharing and using active modes of transport to get around, such as cycling. Measures may include fiscal incentives, vouchers, subsidies or zero-interest loans.
The report introduces a number of improvements to the Commission proposal, among which:
– a definition of “mobility poverty”, referring to households that have high transport costs or limited access to affordable public or alternative modes of transport required to meet essential socio-economic needs;
– specific focus in the plans on socio-economic challenges facing islands and the outermost regions;
– a reminder that the member states must respect fundamental rights, including the rule of law, in order to benefit from EU funds.
Quotes
Co-rapporteur Esther de LANGE (EPP, NL) said: “The energy transition should not become a transition for the ‘happy few’. That’s why we have ensured that the money from the fund actually reaches people who need the most support in the transition. Measures include, for instance, vouchers for the vulnerable to insulate their homes and developing a second-hand electric car market.”
Co-rapporteur David CASA (EPP, MT) said: “The Social Climate Fund is the EU’s answer to the challenge of making the green transition towards climate neutrality a social one. This fund will invest billions in energy efficiency for households and micro-enterprises, which will reduce energy demand and soften the impact of climate measures. All this makes it an essential component of securing European climate neutrality by 2050.”
Next steps
The proposal is scheduled to be adopted during Parliament’s plenary session in June, before negotiations with member states can begin.
Background
The Social Climate Fund is part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”, which is the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels in line with the European Climate Law.
The European Commission has proposed the creation of a “Platform for the Recovery of Ukraine”, to be led jointly by the EU and the Ukrainian authorities
“The International Coordination Platform, the Platform for Reconstruction of Ukraine, co-chaired by the European Commission representing the EU and the Government of Ukraine, will act as a comprehensive strategic governing body responsible for approving the recovery plan prepared and implemented by Ukraine, supported by administrative capacity. and EU technical assistance, “the statement said. The platform “will bring together supporting partners and organizations, including EU Member States, other bilateral and multilateral partners and international financial institutions”. “The Ukrainian Parliament and the European Parliament will participate as observers,” the EC added.
“The RebuildUkraine plan, approved by the platform based on a needs assessment, will become the basis for the EU and other partners in identifying priority areas selected for funding and specific projects. The platform will coordinate the sources of funding and their distribution to optimize their use, as well as monitor the progress of the plan, “explained the EC. Earlier, the proposal to create a plan and platform for the reconstruction of Ukraine was announced by the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. It must now be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
The European Commission has decided to allocate 248 million euros to the 5 EU member states that have received the largest number of refugees from Ukraine. The funds will be used to support refugees and border control. This is stated in a statement of the EC. Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will receive emergency aid from European funds. Member States can use these funds to provide immediate assistance, such as food, transport and temporary housing, to people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as to improve their ability to manage the EU’s external borders.
“Civil society organizations and local and regional authorities also play a key role in offering assistance, and as such Member States will need to ensure that this urgent funding also reaches them,” the statement said.
Archbishop Stefan and Patriarch Porphyry, together with bishops of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – the Ohrid Archbishopric and the Serbian Orthodox Church, celebrated a liturgy of reconciliation today at the St. Sava Church in Belgrade.
In his address, Archbishop Stefan thanked the Serbian Orthodox Church for accepting the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
We thank God for fulfilling the time and today we found a fraternal understanding with His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porphyry and members of the Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which only a few days after learning the decision of the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, led by Patriarch decided in the same spirit to restore the Eucharistic and canonical unity of our local churches, “said Archbishop Stefan.
“Heaven and earth rejoice, saints rejoice, Saint Sava and his heirs rejoice. Today we have gathered in this covenant temple of the Serbian people, dedicated to Saint Sava, to know this day, which God created, to rejoice and rejoice in it. The Church is one because God is One and is the Head of the Church. We build unity and maintain order in the Church. Brothers and sisters, communion in unity is sacred, and we should not be surprised that it is opposed by the forces of this world who are against God and do not want Christ. Christ is the mirror; in Him we can see who we are and what we are. Demonic forces are against unity, they need polarization and division… Therefore, regardless of their goals, our goal is to fulfill the call of Christ and be one. We had a schism that lasted 55 years, with our brothers from Macedonia. This wound was deep and painful. We thought about this wound, got up and went to bed, and longed for it to heal. The wound is healed now, and it is a gift from God. Brother hierarchs, our joy is immeasurable. It is the joy of God’s love that we are one in Christ and in the church.
Brothers and sisters from Serbia and Macedonia, today the hearts of our peoples were beating for all of us and with us.
It beats in the rhythm of Christ. God has looked at us and has mercy on us! ”Concluded Patriarch Porphyry.
Elena Kovachevska has a certificate of Bulgarian origin
“I don’t know why my wife’s background is so interesting. But since it is so important, her father was born in Kumanovo, my wife’s grandfather is from Kriva Palanka, my wife was born in Kriva Palanka, and I was born in Kumanovo. ” This was stated by the Prime Minister of RN Macedonia Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday on the occasion of widespread information in Bulgarian and Macedonian media that his wife is of Bulgarian origin.
In support of the statement is a copy of a certificate of Bulgarian origin issued by the Agency for Bulgarians Abroad in the name of Elena Mitko Kovachevska, born in 1978 in the town of Kumanovo, BGNES reported.
“Our children were born in Skopje and we all have personal documents of the Republic of Northern Macedonia,” Kovachevski said when asked by a journalist whether the information that his wife was Bulgarian was true.
The Prime Minister clarified that he could not comment on details about the ancestors of the family, as “talking about great-grandparents has never been a topic of our conversations.”
According to the contents of the certificate of Bulgarian origin, Elena Kovachevska’s grandfather, Stanojko Stanojkovski, is a Bulgarian from Bosilegrad, and a document issued by the Serbian authorities at the time states that his parents were Bulgarians.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Dimitar Kovachevski, told the media that his wife was of Bulgarian origin, that she, her father and grandfather were born in Macedonia, and could not speak or comment on what her great-grandparents were. Macedonian media reported.
“I don’t know why the origin of my wife’s relatives would be interesting, but if such a question arises – my wife’s father was born in Kumanovo, she was born in Kriva Palanka, I was born in Kumanovo. Our children were born in Skopje and all we have personal documents of the Republic of Northern Macedonia “, said Kovachevski in response to a question whether the information that his wife is Bulgarian is true. Speaking about his wife’s ancestors, Kovachevski said he could not comment, as this has never been a topic of conversation.
Mickoski: If the government agrees to Bulgaria’s demands, it is a capitulation
The leader of VMRO-DPMNE in the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Hristian Mickoski, described the hypothesis that the government of the country would agree to include in the negotiating framework the commitments made by the Republic of Northern Macedonia regarding Bulgaria and legally binding guarantees. was part of talks between Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
“Let’s be more precise. Radev insists that everything that Sofia wants on the basis of the declaration of the Bulgarian Parliament from November 2019 to be included in the negotiating framework, most likely in Chapter 35. This is what Radev wants and says. “Demands have not been met, he will not allow the first intergovernmental conference to take place, ie he cannot allow negotiations to begin. That is the essence,” Mickoski said. He added that if such a request entered the negotiating framework, it would mean a complete surrender.
“Either assimilation and a European future, or we will never have a European future,” Mickoski said.
This is the choice, we do not have a third option. Inclusion (under these conditions) in the negotiating framework means, I repeat, assimilation and Bulgarianization. Now that it is clear through the Ohrid Archbishopric that we have a centuries-old difference with the Bulgarian and other Balkan nations. there is a vote in parliament and a two-thirds majority is needed, we at VMRO-DPMNE will not even consider adopting it, “Mickoski said.
He also commented on Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a political European community, saying the Republic of Northern Macedonia’s place was not in the “second league” because, as a candidate, it has done things no one else has done.
“Unfortunately, our place at the negotiating table was hampered first by our southern neighbor, with this stupid name request and we’ve been stuck in one place for decades. Now we have an even stupider request from our eastern neighbor,” Mickoski said. Recalling that the Association Agreement was signed in 2000 and that the children born at that time are now adults, voting and all the time “just listening for a European future”.
“I think that Europe must remain principled in its promises and, at least for (Northern Republic), not apply double standards. It must immediately, with serious pressure on Sofia (Northern Republic) Macedonia, start negotiations without any concessions, without any concessions. “That is what I expect, and so do my students and the people of this peaceful, pro-European country in the heart of the Balkans,” Mickoski said during a visit to Skopje’s Aerodrom municipality.
Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron held telephone talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Dimitar Kovachevski, and with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. According to the press release of Rumen Radev, in this conversation he pointed out that Bulgaria and the Republic of Northern Macedonia have agreed to prepare a roadmap outlining short-term and long-term goals, the implementation of which will advance the process of European integration for our southwestern Bulgaria. neighbor, but there are still no results in this direction, and also that our country expects legally binding guarantees to be included in the negotiating framework for the Republic of Northern Macedonia, and thus to ensure the implementation of the commitments made by the Republic of Northern Macedonia.
Photo: Fam. Kovachevski with His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Constantinople.
Vienna (Austria), 19 May 2022 – Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are global crimes that can affect all genders and ages.
However, women and girls consistently account for the majority of detected trafficking victims, primarily for sexual exploitation, and females who are smuggled over borders are more exposed to sexual violence and rape than male migrants.
But despite the gender implications, the authorities that deal with these crimes, including immigration services, law enforcement and the justice sector remain heavily dominated by men.
“Women are too often left out of criminal justice responses, and as a result, women victims may not receive the support they need,” said the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Waly.
Ms Waly was speaking at an event on the “Role and Voice of Women in Countering Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in Asia and the Middle East”, organized by UNODC’s Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) during this week’s Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ).
“Advancing women’s representation and promoting gender-responsive criminal justice are priorities across the work of UNODC, to improve women’s access to justice and support to victims, and to strengthen the quality of justice for all,” said Ghada Waly.
During the online event the panellists discussed the importance of including women in efforts to counter human trafficking and migrant smuggling and actions taken in their countries to address this.
Justice Ayesha Malik, the first female ever to be elevated to the Supreme court in Pakistan, said “this is a system made by men for men”.
She added: “Women Judges have a role to play in rethinking the system, the processes, and the policies to make them gender responsive.”
During her judicial career, Justice Malik has developed courses on gender sensitization of court proceedings, training sessions on gender-based violence cases, and initiated the first Punjab Women Judges Conference.
“Women Judges can help build a new narrative, one that does not discriminate, does not slot women into roles and is sensitive to the gender perspective,” explained Justice Malik.
“In cases of gender-based violence, it is imperative that judges understand and are sensitive to the gender perspective. The tendency to focus on the victim and not the accused, to focus on what she was doing and not on what he did has to change.”
Diane Schmitt, the European Union’s Anti-Trafficking Coordinator said EU data shows that human trafficking “disproportionately affects women”.
“Over the past ten years, 75 percent all victims registered in the European Union were women and girls. In some Member States, the percentage reached 92.”
“Trafficking in human beings, especially for the purpose of sexual exploitation, is rooted in gender inequalities. In order to win our fight against trafficking, it is fundamental to address its gender-related root causes and the gender dimension of this crime,” said Ms. Schmitt.
“Women have and should have a key role to play at the policy and operational level, and it is also crucial to have more women first responders, as they play a vital role in identifying, protecting and supporting victims,” she added.
In 2020, to address the gender imbalance within institutions that respond to the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, GLO.ACT launched The Women’s Network of Gender Champions to overcome barriers that prevent the inclusion of women in leading roles.
The Network, which comprises of male and female gender champions from Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, strengthens the skills of female professionals who deal with cases of human trafficking and migrant smuggling through specialized training, mentoring and coaching activities.
Ibtisam Aziz, the Director General of the Protocol Department of the Prime Minister of Iraq and the current Chair of the GLO.ACT Women’s Network said the Network is becoming a “vehicle of change”.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of male allies. The presence and contribution of influential male supporters strengthen the Network and those it seeks to benefit,” added Dr. Ibtisam.
In Iraq, the Network helped to ensure the inclusion of female judges in the drafting of a guidance note on victim protection and trained a first cohort of female investigators in the Kurdistan Region with a focus on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
In Pakistan, where women currently account for less than two percent of the police service, 25 female investigators are being coached. Improvements in the quality of investigations and victim assistance have already been recorded.
Guest speakers at the event, which attracted an online audience of over 120, included Elham Aziznasiri, from the International Affairs Office at the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nadia Murad, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking, shared a video address.
Further information
The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and UNODC being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in four countries: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq and Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This project is funded by the European Union.
Eduardo Matos Moktesuma led the excavations of the Great Aztec Temple in Mexico City – a remarkable event in the world of archeology
Renowned Mexican archaeologist Eduardo Matos Moktesuma, who led the excavations of the Great Aztec Temple in Mexico City, is the winner of this year’s Princess of Asturias award in the social sciences, the Associated Press reported.
“Eduardo Matos Moktesuma and his work are an inspiration for future generations of social scientists and citizens” states the Foundation for prestigious awards
Excavations at the 16th-century sanctuary, which was discovered by chance in 1978, below the city’s main square, are a landmark event in the world of archeology. For more than 20 years, scientists have continued their search and attracted huge public interest.
These excavations, as well as other studies, are “examples of the development of archeology and fruitful dialogue with the past, between cultures and between human and social sciences,” said a statement from the foundation named after the heiress to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor. .
The foundation also points to the “exceptional intellectual precision” of the 81-year-old Moktesuma, who is the author of several books as well as more than 500 articles, catalogs and manuals.
“Because of his intelligence, ability to communicate and his social commitment, Eduardo Matos Moktesuma and his work are an inspiration to future generations of social scientists and citizens,” the foundation said in a statement.
The annual “Princess of Asturias” award, with a cash prize of 50,000 euros, is presented in eight categories, including art and sports.
The prize is among the most prestigious in the Spanish world.
The award ceremony is usually held in October in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo.
Recall that in the summer of 2021, Mexico regained 34 archaeological artifacts from Germany
Among the artifacts are objects from different time periods and cultures – anthropomorphic clay figures, a stone mask of the Olmec civilization from the period 1200-600 BC, a three-legged clay vessel of the Maya from 1000-1520.
Mexico has received 34 archeological artifacts from the pre-Columbian era, which were returned voluntarily by private collectors in Germany, the DPA reported, citing the country’s foreign ministry.
“Two German citizens contacted our embassy in Berlin to express their desire to return archeological objects owned by their families,” said Alejandro Celorio, the foreign minister’s legal adviser.
Some of the artifacts were displayed at a virtual ceremony at the Mexican embassy in Berlin with the participation of Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and Minister of Culture Alejandra Frausto, who took part remotely from the Mexican capital.
Among the artifacts are objects from different time periods and cultures – anthropomorphic clay figures, a stone mask of the Olmec civilization from the period 1200-600 BC, a three-legged clay vessel of the Maya from 1000-1520.
The director of the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History, Diego Prieto, stressed the “growing sensitivity” of the international community for the need to respect cultural heritage and return artifacts.
The items were handed over to embassy staff in May. Of these, 28 have so far been in Monheim in western Germany, the other six – in Recklinghausen.
And at the end of December last year, the Mexican Embassy in Paris exhibited restituted artifacts from the national heritage
“Cultural heritage is not for sale. These are very valuable artifacts for Mexican culture and identity,” said Ingrid Ariaga of the Cultural Institute of Mexico in France.
Among them are three clay figures from the classical Mesoamerican period (100-700) and eight clay vessels.
Most of the artifacts – 16 were returned by a family of collectors on December 6. Two others were left at the embassy anonymously on November 15.
For two years now, Mexico has been working to return items from its historical heritage that are in private collections around the world.
“Cultural heritage is not for sale. These are very valuable artifacts for Mexican culture and identity,” said Ingrid Ariaga of the Cultural Institute of Mexico in France.
In its attempts to bring back historical artifacts, Mexico is facing legal problems. Under French law, Mexico must prove that the items were acquired illegally. However, tracking them is difficult because most left the country in the early 20th century.
In early January, Mexico called for the cancellation of a tender organized by Christie’s. Despite the support of four other Latin American countries, 136 arrests were sold on November 10 for a total of more than 3m euros.
The current Mexican government is proud to have returned more than 5,800 pre-Hispanic works of art since the end of 2018.
Photo: The Great Temple of the Aztecs in Mexico City (iStock by Getty Images)
Vladimir Putin has a son-in-law named Zelensky, not Vladimir, but Igor. He is also an artist, but did not bring him to the presidency, like his Ukrainian namesake. That’s according to a joint investigation by Important Stories and Der Spiegel.
According to media reports, Putin’s daughter Katerina Tikhonova (she apparently broke up with her ex-husband, oil tycoon Kiril Shalimov in 2017) has flown to Munich more than 50 times in recent years. Ballet dancer Igor Zelenski has lived and worked in this city since 2016. Tikhonova was preparing to move to Germany at the end of 2019.
Since 2018, Zelensky has been a member of the management board of the National Fund for Cultural Heritage, which is responsible for the construction of cultural and educational complexes in the regions of the Russian Federation. The project was personally initiated by Putin.
According to journalists, Tikhonova and Zelenski have a daughter born in 2017.
Igor Zelenski is a former ballet dancer in Bavaria. He left in April 2022. He was apparently fired for refusing to publicly condemn Russia for its war against Ukraine.
Journalists do not know where Zelensky and Putin’s daughter Katerina Tikhonova have been since. Der Spiegel tries to call Zelenski, but he doesn’t pick up the phone.
“Bulgarian newspaper revealed that Prime Minister Kovachevski’s wife is hiding a secret from the Macedonian public” – with this headline on its front page “Macedonian Herald” conveys the news about the Bulgarian origin of Elena Kovacheva, which “Trud” reported in today’s issue.
It is widely covered by the news sites in our western neighbor, which reprint the information of “Trud”.
“The Bulgarian daily publishes a document claiming that Elena Kovachevska, the wife of current Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, is Bulgarian and has asked for documents to prove her” Bulgarian origin, “the paper said.
“Elena Kovachevska’s father and grandfather – Mitko Stanojkovski and Stanojko Stanojkovski are Bulgarians born in Bosilegrad municipality, today in Serbia. Bosilegrad region has been under Serbian rule since 1919. The whole region in Bulgaria is known as the Western Suburbs and tens of thousands of Bulgarians from this region. moved to Macedonia during the Yugoslav period.
The Bulgarian daily Trud points out that even the fact that Prime Minister Kovachevski hides his wife’s Bulgarian origin and citizenship is the biggest proof that Bulgarians in Macedonia are discriminated against and afraid to express their ethnicity publicly, “Makedonski Vesnik said. “.
The media reminds that during the local elections in the country the ruling SDSM attacked the mayor Daniela Arsovska (VMRO-DPMNE) because of her alleged Bulgarian citizenship. That is why the question arises why Kovachevski did not inform the public about his wife’s ethnicity, Makedonski Vesnik commented.
President Rumen Radev has been denied the right to respond by the German-language edition of Deutsche Welle for an article with “a number of allegations that are categorically untrue.” This was reported by Radev’s press service.
On the eve of the visit of the Bulgarian head of state to Germany, the German-language edition of Deutsche Welle published the article “The Two Faces of Rumen Radev.” The material does not meet professional ethics and journalistic standards President Rumen Radev, are definitely not true. Of course, the right of a free media is to interpret public processes, but when this analysis is based on false rumors and interpretations, the question arises about the reliability and integrity of the information provided. continue:
For this reason, on May 16, the press office of the head of state sent the right of reply to Deutsche Welle, and to date there is still no public reaction from the media. in respect of published material against which there is a reasoned objection that it suggests certain unreliable conclusions “.
Here is the full text of the letter sent by the presidency to the German Deutsche Welle:
Dear Mr. Limburg,
Dear Mr. Nering,
I am writing you this letter in connection with the one published on May 13 this year. article “The Two Faces of Rumen Radev” on the Deutsche Welle website.
I believe that informing the German public about topics related to Bulgaria is based on the responsibility of a public media outlet to the citizens of both countries. In this process, the facts should be leading, regardless of the bias and beliefs of analysts. Objective coverage is an important condition for establishing the image of each media as a reliable source of information. This importance grows even more when it comes to the perceptions it creates in the citizens of two friendly and allied countries.
In the article “The Two Faces of Rumen Radev” these principles are not observed and the conclusions made are based mainly on false suggestions and not on real facts.
The public and political opposition between President Rumen Radev and the government of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has essentially not faced “pro-Western and pro-Russian” opposites. These notions floated only in the foam of the political debate in Bulgaria, the aim of which was the attempt of the former rulers to cover up the categorical rejection by the head of state of the vicious corruption model of merging state institutions and business. By the way, this model of corruption was rejected by the Bulgarian voters in the last parliamentary elections and this could not have escaped the DW editors.
The suggestion in the article that President Radev draws support for his high political rating from successful ministers in the caretaker government, who now hold leading positions in the current Bulgarian government, is puzzling. DW should be aware that the president appoints ministers and that their work can only take place as a result of his trust and the fulfillment of the president’s priorities: fighting corruption, transparency and the rule of law.
The war in Ukraine and the numerous crises in Europe are generally undermining the credibility of the political class. But there is no logic in the claim that the Bulgarian president’s calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, a return to dialogue and the prevention of Bulgaria’s direct involvement in the military conflict have led to an outflow of public confidence. All public opinion polls in Bulgaria clearly show that Bulgarian society categorically rejects alternative positions.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that President Rumen Radev condemned Russia’s aggression and war against Ukraine not during his visit to Prague on May 10, but on February 24 at his meeting of the institutions in Sofia. And this is not a one-time act by the head of state. The war in Ukraine is a huge threat to international peace and security, and its social and economic consequences are much stronger in Bulgaria than in Western Europe.
And just as it is true that Bulgaria is a “loyal ally”, it is equally true that as a “bearer of peace” in the EU and NATO, it can defend its positions and views. This is the democratic approach on which the allied relations are built and this will be, in the future, Rumen Radev’s constant position as head of state.
It is extremely important to understand that, unlike most European countries, Bulgaria has a huge historical diaspora in Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians live in war zones today, and President Rumen Radev was the first political leader in Bulgaria to call for protective equipment for the population in those regions.
At the same time, the Bulgarian head of state categorically does not accept Bulgarian ammunition and lethal weapons to be exported, so that they are not used in the areas of fierce fighting, in which a large part of the ethnic Bulgarians in Ukraine are concentrated.
The thesis that President Rumen Radev has expressed a position against the allied support for enhanced protection of the Bulgarian airspace in the conditions of military conflict in the neighborhood is completely untrue. If the article was based on the public statements of the president and the official information published on the website of the presidential institution, and not on manipulative media interpretations, such false statements would not have been made. Moreover, as commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, it was Rumen Radev who organized the first joint mission to protect Bulgaria’s airspace with the allies. However, the question of whether the Bulgarian Air Force will be able to participate in such missions in the near future is on the agenda, and the head of state expects urgent measures from the responsible institutions in Bulgaria to solve this problem.
President Rumen Radev did not start his political career in Moscow, despite selfish suggestions, to “land” there. The re-election of the president in November 2021. is sufficient proof of the assessment that Bulgarian voters give to this helpless propaganda. The responsibility of the head of state Rumen Radev is before the Bulgarians who voted for him. However, as you know, other European politicians have chosen to represent Russian interests and capital, and German politicians are no exception.
Please consider this letter as the right of the Presidential Institution in Bulgaria to respond to the article in Deutsche Welle and to publish it on the media’s website.
With respect,
Kiril Atanasov
Secretary for Media Relations of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
