SOFIA, June 5, 2011 (WAFA) – The Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikolay Mladenov confirmed his country’s stance of supporting the Palestinian people to obtain their independence and realize a two-state solution.

Mladenov had met with the Palestinian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Ahmed al-Mathbouh, on Sunday, in preparation for the extended meeting initiated by Bulgaria with the ambassadors of Muslim nations.

Al-Mathbouh briefed Mladenov on the latest developments of the Palestinian issue and the stalled peace process and negotiations due to Israel’s refusal to stop settlement expansion, as well as its ongoing arrests of thousands of Palestinians.

He reviewed the efforts of the Palestinian leadership to move the peace process and negotiations forward, and the Palestinian intention to go to the United Nations to request the recognition of a Palestinian State if Israel does not change its stance on the peace process and stop its construction of settlements.

M.N./F.J.