Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev participated in an international discussion dedicated to the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, which took place at the US Congress in Washington. The forum was organized by Congressmen Robert Aderhold and Pete Sessions. Congressman Joe Wilson, founder of the Group for Friendship with Bulgaria in Congress, as well as other current and former members of the House of Representatives, took part in the discussion
Speeches focused on the need to build lasting and working partnerships between the institutions of the countries in South-Eastern Europe in the context of the deteriorating security environment in the region. The forum was attended by representatives of Poland, Romania, Croatia, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Georgia and others. Among the guests was Roberto Montella, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The risks of China's growing role in Europe were also discussed within the framework of the forum.
Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev acquainted the American congressmen and their guests from Southeast Europe with the active role of Bulgarian Prosecutor's Office in countering the Russian intelligence services on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Balkans. Ivan Geshev recalled the series of investigations conducted by the Bulgarian Prosecutor's Office, which led to the forced withdrawal from the country of more than ten employees of Russian special services, who enjoyed diplomatic immunity.
Prosecutor General of the Republic of Bulgaria emphasized that, along with the classic form of intelligence activity, such as espionage, other means of malicious influence have been identified in recent years - political corruption, hybrid attacks, including through the use of media and the spread of "fake news", cyber-attacks , exemplified by the actions of the Russian hacking group KillNet three months ago, as well as the frequent attempts to circumvent sanctions imposed on the Russian banking system by transferring cryptocurrencies.
Ivan Geshev pointed out that in recent years there has been a certain retreat in countering the malicious Russian influence in our country. In this regard, the Prosecutor General addressed the members of the American Congress and the representatives of the Euro-Atlantic countries of the Balkans, calling them on for joint action to ensure security in the Balkan region. "Unfortunately, with the beginning of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and in view of the fact that Bulgaria is located geographically close to the conflict zone, we notice an increased intensity of malicious influence. It is essential for my country to improve our cooperation, both at the national level and between the relevant institutions in the partner countries," said Ivan Geshev.
Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev congratulated Congressmen Robert Aderhold and Pete Sessions for organizing the discussion, reiterating that "Euro-Atlantic partners are stronger together." Ivan Geshev presented the members of the Congress with plaques of the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The Prosecutor General is on a visit to the United States to take part in the 71st Annual National Prayer Breakfast given by the President of the United States, which will be held on 2 February in Washington.
Photos:
The international discussion was held at the Cannon House Office Building
In the individual photos, Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev is with the organizers of the discussion - Congressmen Robert Aderhold and Pete Sessions