In the end of last week a petition requested the recognition of a Turkish minority in Bulgaria. At the same time nationalistic political movement Ataka organised a number of party meetings, Dnevnik newspaper reported.
Various other nationalistic displays occurred, related to the visit of Turkish president Ahmet Sezer to the country. Several NGOs and political formations blamed Turkey for initiating the petition.
The ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) addressed both the signature list for a Turkish minority recognition and the Ataka protests.
BSP leader and Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said the two acts are connected and can only artificially create tension in the country. The state will oppose all attempts for disturbing the national ethnic peace, Stanishev said.
As a consequence Ataka demanded a hearing of Stanishev’s statements in Parliament. Political analysts said Ataka faces a threat from the formation of other nationalistic parties and internal dissolution processes.
