Daniel Mitov

Bulgaria backs the idea to send an EU Special Representative to Macedonia in a bid to solve the political crisis in the country, according to Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov.

Mitov made clear in a Thursday interview for the Bulgarian National Radio that Bulgaria had stated its support for the initiative put forth by Germany a long time ago.

Former Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin has argued that it is essential for Bulgaria that the conflict in Macedonia does not escalate into ethnic tensions.

Bulgaria is backing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring Macedonia, President Rosen Plevneliev said on Tuesday.

Bulgaria's head of state is due to take over from Albania the presidency of the Southeastern European Cooperation Process (SEECP) while on a visit to Tirana on Tuesday, his press office has said.

President Rosen Plevneliev is to take part in a Tuesday summit bringing together all heads of state and government of countries who participate in  the SEECP.

Croatia's Foreign Minister Minister Vesna Pusic and her Bulgarian counterpart Daniel Mitov have agreed that the EU integration of the Western Balkans and the preservation of the territorial integrity of the region are issues of absolute necessity.

Croatia's Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic arrives Monday in Sofia for an official visit at the invitation of her Bulgarian counterpart Daniel Mitov.

Apart from Mitov, Pusic is to also meet with President Rosen Plevneliev, Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva, and a number of ministers, according to the press office of Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry.

Macedonian opposition SDSM leader Zoran Zaev dismissed the speculation of partitioning or federalisation of the country.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on Wednesday that there were plans for the partitioning of Macedonia between Bulgaria and Albania.

Recent comments by Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov about Moscow's "irresponsible" approach to the situation in Macedonia are very dangerous, Mitov's predecessor Kristian Vigenin has said.

Suggestions that a partitioning of Macedonia between Bulgaria and Albania is allegedly being discussed are "extremely irresponsible", Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said on Wednesday.

The European Union foreign ministers will discuss the tense political situation in Macedonia on Monday, Bulgaria's foreign minister Daniel Mitov has said.

"Europe is acting together," Bulgarian news outlet BGNES quoted Mitov as saying.