After several protests at the non-working border crossing "Rudozem - Xanthi" Todor Batkov-son cut the fence with a flex cutter, dariknews.bg reported.
Today, dozens of residents of Rudozem, Madan and Smolyan once again gathered at the border with Greece to express their dissatisfaction with the fences installed, which prevent free passage to Greece. The protest was called "On Baklava". The organizer – Todor Batkov-son had prepared some of the pastry for all those present.
„A long time ago I announced that I would cut the fence. I am already taking desperate measures because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Georg Georgiev, granted the waters of the Arda River to the Greeks. This was our only lever through which we could influence them to fulfill their commitment for the Mesta River“, Todor Batkov - son told reporters.
The MPs from the PP “Vazrazhdane“ Angel Georgiev and Emil Yankov were also at the border. Georgiev stated that this fence is illegal and Greece is illegally blocking the road. He also spoke out against "the spineless policy of the Bulgarian rulers from GERB, BSP, ITN and the MRF”.
“There is absolutely no point in the Schengen so desired for our native Euro-Atlantics, since Greece allows itself to unilaterally violate international law. We are here and we have shown that we can pass“, pointed out Emil Yankov.
After opening a gap in the fence, everyone crossed into Greek territory and Batkov treated the Greek policemen, who were friendly with their Bulgarian neighbors, to baklava.
Bulgaria and Greece have signed a joint declaration on the use of the waters of the Arda River.
Iliyan Madzharov from Rudozem said that he has cousins in Xanthi, but they cannot see each other because the border is closed. “It is very close to us from here and it is easier to cross. But for the moment, that is not possible”, he pointed out. Madzharov has been talking to his relatives on the other side of the border, who also want to come visit their Bulgarian relatives.
Rumen Karov from Madan addressed the Bulgarian rulers and the deputies elected from the Smolyan constituency, and stated that the people's patience has already run out. He added that once again there is not a single MP from the region at the border crossing.
Todor Batkov-son also said that the Rhodope Mountains are forgotten and are sinking. He gave examples of the Devin - Mihalkovo - Krichim road, which has been closed for several days due to a collapse, and the second-class Asenovgrad - Smolyan road, which was blocked this morning by a fallen rock mass. “People do not have water for irrigation in the summer, let alone for drinking. Apart from declaring the Rhodope region a principality and starting to govern ourselves, I see no other option“, said Batkov-son. Finally, he cut a piece of reinforcement from the fence as a souvenir.