Bulgaria is not obliged to provide explanations about its sovereign decisions to third countries. This is what Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said following a comment of Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin on Twitter that “someone of the name Shalamanov has persuaded PM Bliznashki to betray Russia once again to the benefit of used F-15". “The commentary of the Deputy PM of the Russian Federation Dmitry Rogozin regarding the plans of the Bulgarian government to replace outdated Russian military aircraft is absolutely unacceptable. The language Mr Rogozin has used while referring to Bulgarian Defense Minister Velizar Shalamanov is intolerably degrading. Regardless of the selected format and vehicle for communication it is contrary to good manners and unfortunately reveals a lack of respect for the Bulgarian institutions and state”, Mitov believes. "The Republic of Bulgaria is member of the EU and NATO and is not expected to provide explanations about its sovereign decisions to third countries. The Bulgarian government owes loyalty to its citizens alone and to the country’s national interest”, the caretaker minister added. At the end of his statement he mentioned that relations between Bulgaria and Russia had a long tradition and that Sofia continued "to support the development of cooperation between the two countries based on equality and mutual benefit ". According to Mitov comments like the remarks of Mr Rogozin do not contribute into such development.