Panayotov: Muslims And Christians In Bulgaria Have Proven That They Can Jointly Meet The Requirements Of The Eu Criteria

SOFIA (AA) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Plamen Panayotov has indicated today (Monday) that Muslims and Christians in Bulgaria have proven that they can jointly meet the requirements of the European Union (EU) criteria.
     Panayotov met directors of news agencies from different parts of the world, including Director General of the Anadolu Agency (A.A) Dr. Hilmi Bengi, as part of a meeting titled ''Bulgarian Media in the World.''
     Panayotov talked on regional problems, the recent developments in the Middle East and the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria on June 25th. ''We especially desire voter participation by Bulgarian citizens living abroad. In the last election, out of a total of 1 million Bulgarians living elsewhere, only 60,000 voted,'' said Panayotov.
     Answering a question on Turks in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian citizens in Turkey, Panayotov remarked that the Muslims and Christians in Bulgaria have proven that they can jointly work to meet the EU criteria. ''This case could be an example for Turkey's integration into the EU,'' expressed Panayotov.
     Panayotov commented that, unless security and stability is ensured in the Balkans, the EU will not experience full security and stability.
     The First World Meeting of Bulgarian Media is being organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), May 23rd through 25th. The meeting is timed to coincide with celebrations of the 1,150th anniversary of the invention of the Slav alphabet. Guests of honor will include the directors general of Balkan news agencies and senior representatives from several European news agencies.
     (SOL-MS)
2005-05-23