Regarding the development of the situation in Ukraine the Press Secretariat of the Head of State is authorized to disseminate the following position of the President:

The President of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev is following with concern the development of the situation in Ukraine after Russia’s Upper House of Parliament adopted a decree which allows the usage of Russian armed forces in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The Head of State has said more than once that the only lasting solution may be achieved by peaceful means and if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine is guaranteed. The usage of military force to occupy foreign territories is violation of the rules of international law.

The President calls on the UN Security Council and the countries-guarantors of the security in Ukraine, in compliance with the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, to ensure a peaceful solution to the problem and to avoid a further escalation of the tension.

In May 2014 presidential elections are due to be held in Ukraine. The people of Ukraine should alone decide what their future should be in a democratic way.

If necessary, the President will convene the Consultative Council for National Security.