Russia Criticises Bulgarian MPs over Ad Hoc Inquiry Committee

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, harshly criticized Bulgarian MPs for the recently established ad-hoc inquiry parliamentary committee that is to investigate alleged Russian and Turkish interference in Bulgaria’s internal affairs.

The committee was set up last week and is to investigate facts and circumstances related to allegations of interference, on the part of Russia and Turkey, in the internal affairs of Bulgaria.

Reminding the common history of the Bulgarian and Russian people, Zakharova identified the committee as ludicrous and absurd.

According to her, it was cynical to set up such a committee on the eve of the 138^th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule which is to be celebrated on March 3.

In her words, Russia did not see what was the point of seeking the notorious “long arm of Moscow” in a country where several generations are grateful to its Russian brethren for their sovereign existence.

Zakharova admitted that there had been examples in history when Russia had indeed interfered in the internal affairs in Bulgaria.

She pointed to the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878 when the Bulgarian liberation was achieved and during the Second World War when Soviet soldiers fought against fascism on Bulgarian territory.

Zakharova stated that Russia remembers the history well, advising those not remembering it to refresh their memories.