All Bulgarian – Greek border checkpoints operating normally – Interior Ministry
All checkpoints at the border with Greece are operating normally, Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry said on the morning February 29 2016, in a statement that coincided with an ultimatum by a Bulgarian transport industry association threatening a counter-blockade unless protesting Greek farmers completely ended their blockades.
Bulgaria’s union of international carriers had said that if by 9am on February 29, the Greek farmers had not lifted their blockades, the union would retaliate with blockades intended to stop the passage of Greek agricultural produce.
These counter-blockades would be imposed not only at Bulgaria’s Greece but also at the border with the Republic of Macedonia, used as an alternative transport route.
Reports said that Greek farmers – who had been protesting against pension system reforms – had begun withdrawing tractors and other agricultural equipment from the border this past weekend. The remaining tractors would reportedly be withdrawn on February 29.
(Photo: Anton Lefterov)
