Double agents, triple games in the RSM – how long will Bulgaria continue to finance foreign structures? Dimche Yamandiev on FAKTI

Certain individuals have re-emerged in the public space of the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM), including Vane Tsvetanov (while still a student), who tell how in the late 1990s they acted as “double agents“ – supposedly with a Bulgarian identity, but in fact part of schemes of the Macedonian Intelligence Agency, which is alleged to have “firm“ ties with Bulgaria's military intelligence. Dimche Yamandiyev, chairman of the “Ilinden“ Association, spoke to FAKTI on the topic.

- Mr. Yamandiyev, double agents, triple games in the Republic of North Macedonia. Many comments were caused by Vane Tsvetanov's statements that between 1997 and 2001 he acted as a double agent, simulated Bulgarian identity and provided controlled information to Bulgarian services? How do you view this?
- Let's be precise. We hear these things in his interview, but are they true!? If this is true - then the state worked with a double player. If it is not true - then the state does not control the myths about its own instruments.
In both cases, the conclusion is worrying.
The problem is not Tsvetanov himself. The problem is the model in which a scheme "supposedly ours, but in fact serves several countries" has been promoted for years. This is not a policy of national interest - this is a policy of compromise and dependence.

- But what does this mean for Bulgaria today?
- It means that instead of building clear and honest partnerships with the people who really fought for Bulgaria – we have invested in those who worked according to the scenarios of other countries.
One “double agent“, another “triple“, a third “changed“. All, in the end, have access to resources and influence.
While the real Bulgarians in Macedonia – those who never pretended – were persecuted, discriminated against, fired, tried or isolated.
- Do you believe in the theories of “double agents“ and “controlled operations“?
- I believe in one principle – who plays on two fronts, in the end betrays both. Period. Let the services say whether they work in this way today. If “yes“ – what has been achieved? And if “no“ – why was this model used for 20 years?
- What do you want, what can the Bulgarian state do?
- We want three things – clearly, without any detours:
-- the state to publicly state whether it is currently working with such “assets“ along Macedonian lines
-- to conduct a full financial and political audit of all structures financed over the years
-- to stop any support for individuals and organizations that serve foreign interests under Bulgarian cover
- Who pays the price of these games?
- The Bulgarian cause. Bulgarian taxpayers. And most of all – Bulgarians in Macedonia. While the state is “playing agents“, the people there are paying with their lives, their jobs, their dignity.

- Is there a chance for the situation to change and how?
- Yes, there is a chance for change. It will change when the state works not with “tools“, but with individuals. Not with “agents“, but with people who have a name, lineage, memory and character. The Ilinden activists were not double agents. They were clear – either for Bulgaria or against it. There is no middle ground.
- What is next, what should we expect, in your opinion?
- Bulgaria should start acting as a state. To recognize its true supporters. And to state clearly — whoever plays against Bulgaria will receive neither funds nor influence. The politics of humiliation and behind-the-scenes is over. It is time for a politics of openness and dignity. When history is written by double agents, it cannot be read by Bulgarians. And when the truth is silenced, the enemy speaks for us. We will not remain silent. We will not accept any more backstage games. We will not allow the Bulgarian cause in Macedonia to become a hostage to double networks and triple scenarios.