Blockade on Bulgaria-Greece Border 'Outrageous' - Transport Min

Bulgaria's Transport Minister on Saturday voiced his outrage at action of Greek farmers and their intermittent blockade of the common border.

The minister took part in negotiations with other Bulgarian and Greek officials and representatives of the protesting farmers. Talks, however, did not result in a decision to end the blockade.

Moskovski explained the border was open on the Greek side, but they could not promise to end the blockade and to refrain from renewing their action.

Asked by media outlets whether Sofia should cut ties with Athens as a result, he retorted, angrily: "We should cut everything".

"I have never seen such mockery toward Bulgaria," mass circulation daily 24 Chasa and Focus News Agency quote him as saying.

According to 24 Chasa, Moskovski asserted he had taken with him enough clothes to say on the border until the blockade is lifted.

Bulgarian transit truck drivers earlier this week started a "counter-blockade" that gradually extended to all border crossing points with Greece, in response to the protest of Greek farmers, who say they will not withdraw their tractors unless the Athens government abandons plans for pension and taxation reforms.