Political leaders delivered messages of unity on the occasion of Unification Day.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov congratulated the Bulgarian people, emphasizing that the Unification remains a timeless example of strong public will and statesmanlike wisdom: "History has repeatedly shown us that unity is the right choice — one that brings prosperity to our country and to all of us. Whenever we come together and combine our efforts with a sense of responsibility for our shared future, we open up a horizon that steadily charts Bulgaria’s path to progress", said Premier Zhelyazkov.

"Together, we can achieve more than each of us alone", National Assembly Speaker Natalia Kiselova said for BTA. "Traditionally, Unification Day reminds us that only united can we achieve our national goals. There are also other messages that can be understood with the passage of time — that the Bulgarian national interest can sometimes prevail over international circumstances'', added Natalia Kiselova. 

"The Unification is that glorious date in Bulgarian history when the people's will turned into a mighty force, compelling both local and foreign politicians to overcome cowardice, fear and doubt, and forcing governments and empires to abandon their schemes and interests and recognize the unification of the Bulgarian people", wrote Vice President Iliana Iotova.

According to GERB leader Boyko Borissov, on this day Bulgarians proved that the strength of a society lies in its determination to stand united. "Division always makes us weaker, while common will builds the future", Boyko Borissov emphasized.

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''Freedom has meaning only when we are united. The Unification of 1885 is proof that Bulgarians can stand up to any force when it comes to freedom and independence'', reads the message from ''We Continue the Change''.

"Unity makes strength! How many of you remember that this is Bulgaria’s national motto? It’s time to recall it and realize that together we can do anything — from standing up to the Great Powers to bringing down the janissary government'', Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Unification.

Greetings were also extended by Delyan Peevski, leader of ''DPS – New Beginning'', the parliamentary group of ''BSP – United Left'' and Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA