September 6, 2009


National Assembly President Tsetska Tsacheva and many lawmakers attended a mass in memory of the Bulgarian nationals who perished in Ohrid Lake. Prayer was served by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv on September 6, 2009 at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin in the city of Plovdiv.

We have done everything that was within the reach of our state authorities in the case of the tragic incident, said the chairwoman of parliament in a comment for media representatives. She highlighted the timely intervention of the prime minister and determined the reactions of all relevant institutions as responsible, fast and effective. The causes of the crash will continue to stand at the attention of the institutions in charge, said Tsetska Tsacheva and noted that a tragedy of such a scale will inevitably find the adequate response of the National Assembly. The Assembly President expressed once again deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the dead and sincere hope for full recovery of the injured compatriots.

I want to believe that the tourist trip was organized in compliance with all the rules, but if deficiencies and violations would be found, the parties involved will be held liable, she added. She said that authorities are to carry a thorough analysis of the causes of the accident and if needed new legislative initiatives would be introduced. She noted that the whole range of issues, arising in connection with the causes of the tragic incident, will be put at the attention of the 41st National Assembly, as well as under the probe of specialized parliamentary committees. Asked, whether it is necessary to have a government unit for rapid response to such tragedies, the chairwoman of parliament said that the previous day has proven how, when institutions work in coordination and partnership, the results of an urgent intervention become available. The urgent state interference was concerned with both the victims’ relatives and the information provided to the public throughout the day, she added.


The National Assembly President Tsetska Tsacheva took in Plovdiv also part in the laying of wreaths and flowers ceremony at the monument dedicated to the Unification, on the occasion of 124th anniversary of the Unification of Bulgaria.