Bulgaria will be represented at the inaugural meeting of the Council for Peace in Washington, but at a lower level than initially anticipated. The Bulgarian delegation to the forum, scheduled for February 19th, will be led by Ivan Naydenov, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Delegation Details
The outgoing cabinet decided to include Konstantin Dimitrov, Director-General for Political Affairs, and Stefka Yocheva, Chargé d’Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Washington, in the delegation.
The Bulgarian delegation is expected to participate in the meeting as a participating state without the right to vote, in accordance with the organization’s charter.
Concerns Over Legitimacy
The decision by the outgoing cabinet to join the initiative requires ratification by the parliament, but the cabinet refused to submit it for parliamentary approval. Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Milen Keremedchiev commented that “Bulgaria started in the worst possible way with its application for membership in the Council for Peace.”
Keremedchiev believes the Prime Minister’s signature is invalid because there is no subsequent ratification and that “our membership there cannot be legitimate.” He stated that Bulgaria has “exposed itself before the US administration by signing a document without legal validity.”
According to Keremedchiev, “There is a big difference between being a founder and being an observer in this organization.” He further explained that “Bulgaria is not currently sitting at the table officially. The signatures that have been placed are illegitimate. Rather, we have the function of an observer with signed functions of a founder.”
He added that Bulgaria has “made the wrong steps in this mess.” Keremedchiev also noted that Trump “is doing everything possible to circumvent international organizations,” and that European leaders should closely monitor these actions as “parallel centers of influence and decision-making are being created.”
Background
Last week, the outgoing cabinet declassified the decision to join the Council for Peace, leaving the matter to the incoming caretaker government. The decision was kept secret until recently, and it remains unclear when and how the outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov was authorized to join the initiative, also known as “UN 2,” which was rejected by the EU.
Zhelyazkov was authorized to sign the organization’s charter and simultaneously inform the US that it would not be applied for the time being. According to Euro MP Radan Kanev, European People’s Party Chairman Manfred Weber revealed that GERB leader Boyko Borisov told him that Bulgaria would not ratify the signed “Charter of the Council for Peace,” citing “some special issues” between the US and Bulgaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Council for Peace?
The Council for Peace is an initiative launched by US President Donald Trump, also known as “UN 2,” which was rejected by the EU.
Who will lead the Bulgarian delegation?
Ivan Naydenov, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will lead the Bulgarian delegation.
Is Bulgaria’s membership in the Council for Peace legitimate?
According to Milen Keremedchiev, the signature of the outgoing Prime Minister is invalid because there is no subsequent ratification from the parliament, and therefore Bulgaria’s membership cannot be considered legitimate.
Given the current situation, what role will Bulgaria ultimately play in the Council for Peace remains to be seen.
