The United States is "deeply concerned" about the statement of the Bulgarian president on Crimea | News from Germany about Europe

The United States is “deeply concerned” by the recent remarks by re-elected Bulgarian President Rumen Radev during the pre-election televised debate, when he called Crimea “Russian.” This statement was made by the United States Embassy in Sofia on Monday 22 November.

“United States,” Group of Seven “(” Big Seven “, G7. – Ed.) The European Union and NATO clearly and unanimously adhere to the position that, despite the Russian annexation and the ongoing occupation, Crimea is Ukraine, “the American diplomats said in a statement.

The US Embassy noted that EU member Bulgaria was one of many allies who confirmed at the Crimean Platform summit in August: Crimea is “an integral part of Ukraine, and we do not and will not recognize Russia’s attempts to legitimize the illegal takeover and occupation of the peninsula.”

Ukraine expresses protest

In a presidential debate last week, Radev called Crimea “currently Russian” and also called on Brussels to re-establish communication with the Kremlin and said he did not support sanctions against Moscow because he did not believe they would work.

Ukraine protested against his comments on Crimea. Radev and his opponents in Bulgaria itself were attacked.

“We have expressed our deep concern to the Bulgarian government in Washington and Sofia,” the US Embassy said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Radev previously stated that the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 is a violation of international law. Now, according to his supporters, Radev was simply trying to please voters with a positive attitude towards Russia during the election campaign.

Status and powers of the head of the Bulgarian state

Rumen Radev was re-elected for a second term of office last Sunday. He is a former commander of the Bulgarian Air Force. At one time, Radev graduated from the US Air Force College in the state of Alabama.

The President in Bulgaria has a wide range of responsibilities, but does not have formal executive powers in the day-to-day affairs of the state. He is the head of the Bulgarian state and the supreme commander of the armed forces of Bulgaria. The President of Bulgaria has the right to veto decisions of the National Assembly, and they are considered valid only after his signature.

However, the president has the right to reject any parliamentary decision no more than three times. He can veto laws, as well as sign international treaties, appoint ambassadors, heads of intelligence and security services.

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