Journalist car explosion in Bulgaria coincides with Barroso visit

October 14, 2011 - 16:17 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A bomb blew up the car of a popular Bulgarian journalist late Thursday, October 13, in Sofia, coinciding with a visit of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and three members of the Commission to the Balkan country, police said.

Reuters reports that the explosion caused no casualties but the incident is the latest blow to the center-right government's efforts to put an end to the climate of impunity in one of the most corrupt EU member states ahead of local and presidential polls on October 23.

Television journalist Sasho Dikov, known for his critical attitude to the cabinet, said he had never received any threats.

"(I relate the blast) to individuals who think it can be a useful tool in the pre-election campaign," Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said.

In a joint news conference with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov Thursday, Barroso praised the government's work and said Sofia needed to continue the fight against crime and to press ahead with the reform of its judiciary system.

 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: Armenia and world
Archive for October 14, 2011
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.
Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.
Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.
Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.
---