Gazprom unilaterally violated its agreement with Bulgaria. First, Gazprom tried to change the terms of its agreement, and then, when Bulgaria stood up for itself, Gazprom decided to use energy unilaterally as a weapon. “It is for the years that we have been working together for diversification,” he said in an interview with Nova TV. half-hearted Hero Mustafa.

We publish the whole interview:

Bulgaria will comply with President Zelenski’s demands, but will not send weapons to Ukraine. What is your comment?

As I have said many times, Bulgaria is a friend, partner and ally, as well as a very strong and trusted partner in NATO. Whether Bulgaria will decide to send military equipment or not is a decision to be made between Bulgaria and Ukraine. This is a sovereign decision of Bulgaria. And I would like to focus on the positive – the fact that Bulgaria is building a NATO battle group on its territory; the fact that Bulgaria has accepted over 100,000 refugees; the fact that Bulgaria supports UN resolutions and sanctions, and that Bulgaria opposes the atrocities we are witnessing, opposes Russia’s destructive actions among the civilian population and civilian goals, watch.

Russia has suspended gas supplies to Bulgaria. How will the United States help with this crisis?

I would like to draw your attention to something very important that you mentioned. Gazprom unilaterally violated its agreement with Bulgaria. First, Gazprom tried to change the terms of its agreement, and then, when Bulgaria stood up for itself, Gazprom decided to use energy unilaterally as a weapon. It is for years that we have been working together for diversification.

In March, our US administration said it would provide an additional 15 billion cubic tons of liquefied natural gas to Europe. As you have learned quite recently, during the visit of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy of Bulgaria to Washington, we are working together to ensure two extraordinary supplies of liquefied natural gas at prices excellent for Bulgaria; and we will continue to work for medium and long-term solutions because we are friends and partners.

And now I would like to return to the topic of diversification. Imagine if Bulgaria had completed the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnection a year ago, for example, Bulgaria would not be in its current position. So get into trying to use diversification as quickly as possible. And this will happen – not only with liquefied natural gas from the United States, but also from other countries, which is extremely important. And again, I want to get back to where we started. It was Russia that unilaterally violated its treaty. For those who blame Bulgaria for what happened, I say: “Advocate for Bulgaria; stand up for Bulgaria’s energy independence. “

What could be a working solution, according to a breakthrough between Bulgaria and the Republic of Northern Macedonia?

The most important thing is to have a dialogue. Think that the new governments on both sides have put a good start to the dialogue. You know that we, as an administration, believe in the unity of Europe and the membership of the countries in the Union. You know as a Bulgarian that membership in Bulgaria in the lower union has been going on for 15 years – with benefits that produce low for Bulgaria – and the country’s membership in the region in the union allows greater regional stability and regional prosperity. I would say that dialogue is important. And what is not useful is if both sides issue ultimatums or use negative rhetoric, and if politicians on both sides see this only as a conflict that contributes to their own popularity. That would not be helpful. There must be a real dialogue in trying to find a solution for the way forward. This regional stability is important because, if you are not a member of the EU, you are creating a vacuum. And when there are those who do not want stability, they will be evacuated by it.

Is a new Iron Curtain coming down over Europe?

No I do not think so. In my opinion, follow the remarkable international unity. More than 140 countries have voted in favor of UN resolutions condemning Russia’s atrocities. You see how nations come together in times of crisis. We are so interdependent that other countries in the world prefer an international system based on rules. In my opinion, this is the future.

You and your family went through very difficult times, to nothing and the war. Now, millions of people, the oldest women and children, are fleeing the war in Ukraine. What do you want to advise these people who, just like your parents, should start from scratch?

To begin with, I believe that it is important to be sympathetic to refugees, to understand the plight of them. You are not looking to make this happen to them, you are not looking to leave your country or the life they have led. They were forced to do it. Given the fact that all of them are innocent women and children, the most important thing we can do is to show empathy, to show them that we understand their plight. When my family and I left as refugees, the most important thing for us was to stay purposeful – never give up hope. Hope is so important. My father used to say that difficulties sometimes lead to good things, so that they are purposeful and hopeful – that is what I would advise them to do.

Could you tell us about the long and I guess difficult journey of a Kurdish refugee to a lady working in the top echelon of American politics?

we landed in the United States, we only had clothes on our backs and hopes and dreams for a better life. My father, a wise man, used to say, “Study hard, work hard.” That’s what I did. He immediately focused on good performance at school and started working at the age of 14. Each of my parents worked in three places to support themselves. I can proudly say that I was the first to graduate in a class of 500 because I remained determined. I received a scholarship to study in college and even during my studies there I worked in three places. All the time I remembered what my father used to say: “He studies hard, works hard and always has bold dreams.” You set ambitious goals, you achieve them and then you aim even higher.

You say you were born in Iraq, but America made you free. Where do you feel at home?

The wonderful thing about America is that we value our diverse identities. I am a proud American of Kurdish descent. America gave me freedom. I love the values ​​of America, I see in myself a symbol of these values ​​and I present them – freedom, democracy, the rule of law. And culturally, I say with great pride that I am of Kurdish descent – it gives me a foothold in both the East and the West; it allows me in many respects to understand nuances in the conditions of culture, to make a connection, precisely because I have foundations both in the east and in the west.

Have two very emotional moments in your career when you return to Iraq. The first time he was sent to Mosul as a coordinator, and the second time – for the shooting of the documentary about you – “American Herro”. Can you tell me more?

When I returned to Iraq as a diplomat in the United States, I saw great hopes around me for immediate change. We see the same thing in many places where the population wants change, and it wants change to happen quickly. Real change, long-term change takes time. It is very important that I have patience to allow this change to happen. Those who do not want change will try to bring it back, to block it, but it is important to stay focused on striving for a better life. The American Herro documentary is about a journey – about how everyone can face the difficulties of life. For each of us, life is not always easy. There, in one’s life path, one can fail. But it’s not scary, it’s just part of the process. It is important to continue to work hard, to remain determined and purposeful, to always believe in yourself and your dreams. That’s what the film is about – it’s an example of the American dream.

You speak 9 languages, which is impressive. I know that you also study Bulgarian! Is it difficult? What was the first word you learned in our language?

The first word I learned was family, I think it was perfect because it describes Bulgaria, the importance of the family in Bulgaria and for me personally – for me it is extremely important. The word I use most often is hello and I realized that I use it for both young and older people. I use it because it is the official form. I use it as a sign of respect – to you, to Bulgaria. I fell in love with your country and Bulgaria will always occupy a very special place in my heart.

Already mention our country, but what exactly do you like about it and what do you want to look for to change?

I love so many things about Bulgaria. It is an honor and a privilege for me to be an ambassador here. I love the Bulgarian people, the hospitality, the strength of the Bulgarians. I love the nature. And I am very excited that this summer you will have the first direct flights between the United States and Bulgaria in 23 years – the first direct flights.

This is great news!

Yes, it’s really great news! I am excited because this means that more and more Americans will be able to get to know Bulgaria the way I love it. When it comes to what I would change, I am not the one to say what needs to change. I will share my worldview – I always see the glass half full rather than half empty. I am an optimist and I believe that a positive attitude brought out each of the difficult, challenging situations. Bulgaria is a wonderful country and will achieve remarkable success. I believe that it is extremely important to have a positive attitude.