National Assembly President Mihail Mikov met with the head of the Association of Bulgarians and member of the Ukraine’s parliament ,Anton Kisse. Sergey Stanishev from the Coalition for Bulgaria and the Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Yanaki Stoilov took part in the talks. Anton Kisse is on a visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of MP Sergey Stanishev.

The chairman of the Association of Bulgarians in Ukraine has shared the worries of Bulgarians, one of the most numerous communities in Ukraine. He said what the Bulgarians in Ukraine would like most is political relaxation and de-escalation of the tensions inside the country, as well as in the relations between Ukraine and Russia.

Anton Kisse noted before journalists that the aim of his visit was to urge every state currently working on its position, to take note of the real situation in Ukraine taking into consideration the attitudes of the Bulgarians living there. He added that in the present situation one incorrect word, or even a coma, could create additional tension that should better be avoided.

During the meeting Anton Kisse was reassured that the calm and peaceful life of Ukraine’s Bulgarians, as well as the defense of their rights, including the right to develop their cultural identity, were the main concern of Bulgaria as regards the situation in the country. Before journalists Sergey Stanishev noted that it is important for Bulgarians in Ukraine to feel they are protected and their interests considered important.

The head of the Bulgarians in Ukraine’s Association expressed his gratitude for the serious support extended by Bulgaria. He added the association is in a constant contact with Bulgaria’s foreign ministry and said the visit of Minister Kristian Vigenin in Ukraine had given a positive signal to the Bulgarian community. He also noted the political elite of Ukraine is seeking to stabilize the situation and expressed hope the problems will be solved. In his view the only way to appease the country now is by taking a sober approach towards the situation. Anton Kisse has thanked the Bulgarian journalists, the political and other organizations with which the Association has relations.