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Bulgarian Interior Minister resigns for Ministry's scandal

Other News Materials 14 April 2008 03:51 (UTC +04:00)

( Xinhua ) - Bulgaria's Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev announced Sunday he accepted the resignation of Interior Minister Rumen Petkov because of recent scandals in his Ministry.

The decision of Interior Minister Rumen Petkov to step down was act of dignity, said Stanishev.

"Such an act was logical and that is why I have accepted it," the prime minister explained, adding that "Petkov had very clear and reasonable ideas of possible reforms in the Interior but they will be implemented after a serious public debates."

Stanishev claimed part of the problems in the Ministry has been succeeded by Petkov from the previous governments.

"All the changes to be made within the ministry should correspond to the overall program for reforms in the whole cabinet," Stanishev stressed.

Meanwhile, Petkov also held a press conference, where he revealed the motives for his decision. he said he was resigning so there would be "more State and more statehood." He added he was not making this move under pressure.

Moreover, Deputy Interior Minister Kamen Penkov said he is ready to give in his resignation, following the example of his boss Rumen Petkov.

"I would quit as I am part of the team that has recently ruled the Interior," Penkov explained. "I can take such a step after I talk to Petkov, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev and all those, who have invited me to join the team."

The minister's resignation has been demanded several times by the opposition over the alleged relations of Interior Ministry officials with crime figures and individuals investigated by the special services.

Because of the crisis, the government has even faced a no-confidence vote but managed to survived.

The motion was rejected in spite of the decision of the centrist party, which is a junior partner in the three-way ruling coalition, to abstain from casting votes.

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