Bulgaria sticks to expel Russian diplomats

Baghdad-INA

Bulgarian Acting Prime Minister Kirill Petkov announced that he did not change the decision to expel 70 Russian diplomats, the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency reported, citing a video message from Petkov.

The video message from the Bulgarian acting prime minister read: “We have reached a historic crossroads, where we can either continue to change for a prosperous country, or risk a return to behind-the-scenes deals, puppet rule, and foreign interests.

"We will not allow Bulgaria to take the wrong path, allow officials to embezzle state funds, public prosecutors to proceed with inaction, and foreign diplomats give us ultimatums until 12 noon, because we are not afraid," he added.

Petkov had announced, this week, the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats, allegedly working for the security services, using their diplomatic activities as a front. In response, the Russian ambassador submitted a memorandum to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting the annulment of the decision until 12:00 Moscow time today, Friday, 1 July.