I am pleased with the progress being made,

It's true we have not done all we could, ... But we Socialists have a new team now and we are the party of reform.

This border crossing is a symbol of the dynamic development of Greek-Bulgarian relations and shows that we are prepared to go through mountains to tread the paths of friendship.

Some (EU member) states ... are getting reserved (when it comes to) enlargement. I hope these countries will understand that delaying our entry will not solve the problems of the union.

People are de-motivated because every day their lives are getting worse and worse ... Low turnout shows a collapse in people's trust in the state, in its ability to protect citizens.

I think it is also extremely important to revive Bulgaria's relations with Russia, Ukraine and other strategic partners.

I will be a president of all Bulgarians, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion or political affiliations.

We are aware that in 2005 our efforts to preserve the stability and prestige of the Republic of Bulgaria in the area of foreign policy, and our efforts to attain fully our strategic goals will be mostly contingent upon the way we address our domestic priorities.

I will work for Bulgaria's strategic choice - Bulgaria's membership in the European Union and NATO. I think it is also extremely important to revive Bulgaria's relations with Russia, Ukraine and other strategic partners.

A two-speed Europe will not be a strong Europe. The idea of making decisions and policies in a narrow circle, disregarding smaller EU members, will make it hard to engage them to commit to a common policy, which will weaken the union.