BTA. Justice Minister Believes EU Border to Be Better Protected if Bulgaria Joins Schengen

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS.The EU’s borders will be better protected if Bulgaria is part of Schengen, caretaker Justice Minister Krum Zarkov told bTV Tuesday morning.

"When we talk about the rule of law, this means governing according to the rules. Bulgaria respects the rules and has the right to enter Schengen," the minister stressed. According to him, everything from now on is a matter of talks with the European partners.

He also commented on the position of two of the countries - the Netherlands and Sweden, which believe that this country is not ready for the Schengen area. One or two countries can influence the decision, but we are working hard to explain to our partners that we have earned our right because we are fulfilling all our obligations and our citizens are suffering restrictions, Minister Zarkov added. It is not right for Bulgarian citizens to be unable to benefit from all the rights their applicable rights, he said.

"I do not want to estimate chances, but I want to say one thing - Bulgaria has acquired the right to become a member of Schengen. We are talking about the realisation of this right," explained Zarkov, recalling that Bulgaria has technically fulfilled absolutely all the criteria for joining the border-free Schengen area. The Minister recalled that this was confirmed by the European Union's inspections and the conclusions of the observers' reports.

The Schengen Working Group is expected to have a first discussion on the resolution proposed by the European Council on the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area.

(This information is published based on the cooperation agreement between ARMENPRESS and BTA).