Boyko Borisov
Bulgaria's prime minister has said his country should stay out of the Roma debate, as the row over France's expulsion of Roma people continues to escalate.
After a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, Boyko Borisov said that the number of Roma returning to Bulgaria was insignificant compared to those returning to Romania.
He said: “We support the free movement of people, who obey the laws in every country.
"I reminded all the prime ministers and presidents that the number of deported Bulgarian Roma ... [was just] 41.”
He added: "I don't want to get involved in something that would threaten our Schengen entry," referring to Sofia's plans to joining the Schengen group of European countries that allow travel without the need for passports.
His comments came as the controversy over Paris' policy of returning Roma back to Romania and Bulgaria continued to rage in Brussels.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, were engaged in a heated exchange of words over the issue, diplomatic sources told reporters.
Borisov confirmed there had been "an intense exchange of sharp words".
Sarkozy told a press conference that criticism of French policies towards the Roma were “outrageous” and “insulting”, referring to EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding's comments that she thought "Europe would not have to witness [such actions] again after the Second World War" and her call for the European Commission, EC to take legal action against Paris.
"The disgusting and shameful words that were used - evoking memories of the persecution of Jews during World War II, - was something that shocked us deeply," the French president said.
He defended Paris' position and confirmed that his country would continue to dismantle Roma camps.
Barroso admitted that some comments on the issue had been inappropriate, but insisted that minority rights should not be violated.
Barroso noted: “It is true that in the past few weeks, some things have been said that are out of order.
"But I think we need to leave that on one side now."
France has so far deported about 1,200 Roma to Romania and Bulgaria, despite rising popular anger and accusations from human rights activists that Paris' actions are discriminatory and spark racism towards the community.
Roma who have returned to date have done so voluntarily, with adults receiving €300 in cash and children €100.
He said: “We support the free movement of people, who obey the laws in every country.
"I reminded all the prime ministers and presidents that the number of deported Bulgarian Roma ... [was just] 41.”
He added: "I don't want to get involved in something that would threaten our Schengen entry," referring to Sofia's plans to joining the Schengen group of European countries that allow travel without the need for passports.
His comments came as the controversy over Paris' policy of returning Roma back to Romania and Bulgaria continued to rage in Brussels.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, were engaged in a heated exchange of words over the issue, diplomatic sources told reporters.
Borisov confirmed there had been "an intense exchange of sharp words".
Sarkozy told a press conference that criticism of French policies towards the Roma were “outrageous” and “insulting”, referring to EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding's comments that she thought "Europe would not have to witness [such actions] again after the Second World War" and her call for the European Commission, EC to take legal action against Paris.
"The disgusting and shameful words that were used - evoking memories of the persecution of Jews during World War II, - was something that shocked us deeply," the French president said.
He defended Paris' position and confirmed that his country would continue to dismantle Roma camps.
Barroso admitted that some comments on the issue had been inappropriate, but insisted that minority rights should not be violated.
Barroso noted: “It is true that in the past few weeks, some things have been said that are out of order.
"But I think we need to leave that on one side now."
France has so far deported about 1,200 Roma to Romania and Bulgaria, despite rising popular anger and accusations from human rights activists that Paris' actions are discriminatory and spark racism towards the community.
Roma who have returned to date have done so voluntarily, with adults receiving €300 in cash and children €100.
For more read: French Roma Row Clouds EU Summit
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