Tuesday, April 28 2015 06:25

On 25 April 2015 the Bulgarian Ambassador to Ankara was invited to a meeting at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the Decision of the National Assembly recognizing the mass extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in the period 1915-1922. 

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reports that the Turkish side put forward its views on the events, leading to the decision of the Bulgarian Parliament, as well as the manner and consequences of its adoption.

In response, Bulgarian Ambassador Krasimir Tulechki clarified the nature and meaning of the declaration, adopted by a large majority of the National Assembly, as well as the fact that it is not directed against present-day Republic of Turkey.  Bulgaria emphasizes its willingness to develop the bilateral relations on equal basis in all areas of mutual interest and will work consistently towards achieving this goal.

To recall, the Bulgarian Parliament recognized the mass extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in the period 1915 - 1922 and declared April 24 a day of remembrance of the victims. The decision was adopted by the 43rd National Assembly with 157 votes "for", 37 against and no abstentions, after several hours of debates. Following the adoption, the parliamentarians held a minute of silence for the memory of Armenian Genocide victims.