Bulgaria hopes that a political settlement of the conflict in Macedonia will be found, Deputy PM and Minister of Defense Stefan Yanev said in Varna. He was in the Black Sea port for the celebrations of the 100^th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Naval Aviation.

“No one benefits from ethnic tensions”, the Deputy PM explained, “and from scenes we recently witnessed in the parliament of Macedonia. We hope that that good sense will prevail and the sides to the conflict will sit at the table and reach understanding in the interest of all citizens of Macedonia.”

Regarding the situation in Turkey, Stefan Yanev said: “Following the referendum in Turkey we can say that the situation is different. The processes underway there are a matter of that country’s internal affairs. There are various views that certain actions contradict the good practices in democratic countries. However, we should better let this noise pass and then see what happens in the coming days. To us good neighbor relations are paramount and these developments do not influence this country’s security.”

Minister Yanev said there was no race between the different types of armed forces regarding the acquisition of new equipment. He added that the projects for the multi-purpose patrol vessels for the Navy and for the jet fighters were running at the same time.

Stefan Yanev and Rear Admiral Mitko Petev, commander of the Navy, validated a postage stamp dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Bulgarian Naval Aviation celebrated today.