Sofia-Ankara strained relations on the occasion of the statements Erdogan for the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria

At the highest level, that of the presidents of the Republic, moved the tension between Sofia-Ankara eve of parliamentary elections in Bulgaria.

Mr. Erdogan statements of accused Bulgaria that carries "unacceptable pressure" in Turkish origin people to not vote for their preferred party in Sunday's elections to the answer Bulgarian counterpart Mr. Rum Radev, that Bulgaria "does not accept lessons in democracy, especially from countries that do not respect the rule of law."

Speaking at a meeting of three thousand representatives of organizations and other Bulgarian nationals of Turkish origin living in Turkey, including k.Erntogan said referring to the Bulgarian elections: "As we learn, however, attempts are made to be blocked by our compatriots, our brothers in Turkey origin who have Bulgarian passports, to exercise freely and democratically their right to vote. Made lobbying efforts. This worries us deeply. On the one Bulgaria says it is defending democracy and European values ​​as a member state, while the other put pressure on Turkish origin individuals to not be able to vote according to their preferences. What is European behavior in this case? This is unacceptable..."

The Turkish president said even that "we want the Bulgarian elections to be conducted peacefully and transparently and lawfully" and rejected allegations about involvement in the internal affairs of other countries. "Turkey always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries," he argued.
Immediate was the response of Bulgarian counterpart K. Rantef who who comes to the reception of the Embassy of Greece in Sofia, on March 25th, after stating that "I am here to show my respect for the neighbor, our partner and friend Greece, homeland of democracy, "he answered with a sharp statement on what claimed Mr. Erdogan. As he said: "Bulgaria does not, and does not accept lessons in democracy. Especially from countries that do not respect the rule of law. And yet something important "every government official must learn the lessons of history and geography. I would also like to assure you that the Bulgarian parliamentary elections will be held normally. Bulgaria is a European country, which follows the national legislation and not foreign feelings. "