Petition to the Council of Ministers and two ministries with a request to cancel the cabinet decision in resignation to transfer part of the island of "St. St. Kirik and Julita" near Sozopol to the transport department.
The authors of the document claim that the decision is illegal and threatens the project to transform the island into a center for culture, science and art, as well as for underwater archaeology under the auspices of UNESCO.
According to archaeologists, the project for a cultural center is threatened by the transfer of 35,000 sq. m. of the island to "Port Infrastructure". The intention is to build a passenger port, a yacht marina and a modern coastal zone. Thus, the property of the Ministry of Culture remains without access to a road and a port.
Assistant Dr. Kalin Dimitrov, archaeologist at the National Archaeological Institute and Museum and at the Center for Underwater Archaeology: "It happened in the dark and after we dug around, it turned out that it was done very hastily with many violations of the rules, as this thing should be done."
The Center for Underwater Archaeology claims that only the proposal of "Port Infrastructure" to build and maintain the future port was agreed with them, but not the division of the property between the two ministries.
Dr. Naiden Prahov, dir. Center for Underwater Archaeology: "In these areas there are many buildings, elements, areas for open archaeological exhibitions, there is an aquarium, where the underwater cultural and natural heritage of the Black Sea should be presented."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalin Dimitrov, archaeologist at the National Archaeological Institute and Museum and at the Center for Underwater Archaeology: "We believe that the leading factor for the development of "St. St. Kirik and Julita" should be the cultural center and museum, and not the creation of a private marina and private port."
The local government stated that there is no officially presented concept for the development of the island.
Tihomir Yanakiev, mayor of the Municipality of Sozopol: "The first, at least elementary thing was to hold a public discussion, to present a project. The place should be developed in the context not only of a tourist site, but also of its historical significance!"
Radka Mihaylova, a resident of Sozopol: "We have a yacht port in Sozopol and a marina, everything."
Ismail Boshnakov, a resident of Sozopol: "Archaeology, history, everything must be preserved."
The Ministry of Culture stated in a written position that the decision was adopted in accordance with the established procedure and with the consent of the Center for Underwater Archaeology, and the new development plan will guarantee public access to the museum complex by land and water.