Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov addresses parliament on the occasion of the fourt

[Charlotte]

President Georgi Pavanov addressed the Bulgarian National Assembly on the occasion of the fourth year of his term of office. Among the commitments he assumed four years ago, the Bulgarian President laid particular emphasis on his efforts in the name of national concord and conciliation. The President was categorical that tolerance among the ethnic groups, religious denominational and parties has no alternative. Formulating the priorities, connected with Bulgaria’s accession to the EU, Georgi Parvanov pointed to accession within the deadline, endorsed by the member-countries – January 1, 2007 as the top priority. We want nothing more than the application of the criteria with regard to Bulgaria, as they were applied with regard to the 10 new EU member-states, said the President and added, that the bulk of the necessary steps for synchronization with the EU legislation norms have been made. What remains now is the formation of the administrative capacity for their implementation. President Parvanov also appealed for speedy amendments to the constitution, so as to make the balance among the institutions more effective. The Bulgarian head of state was categorical, that the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU will provide the Union with more security and will be a clear signal of the European future of the Balkans. He expressed the hope, that the example of the countries, which have ratified Bulgaria’s accession treat, will be followed by the remaining members of the EU.

http://www.bnr.bg/RadioBulgaria/Emission_English/News/president_parvanov.htm