Sofia, 28 October 2022 (MIA) – Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostadin Kodzhabashev said Friday it is obvious that the Macedonian opposition parties are trying to incite tensions in Sofia and Skopje by opening a private club named after poet Nikola Vapcarov, MIA reports from Sofia. According to Kodzhabashev, it is clear this is an attempt to distract the public from the Bulgarian struggle for rights in North Macedonia. “A natural person, presenting himself as a member of a non-existent NGO, rented a private venue from another natural person. Nikola Vapcarov’s family is revolted about the fact his name is being used in provocations like these, they have not approved it and they stress the Bulgarian self-determination of the poet,” said Kodzhabashev. He urged the citizens of Blagoevgrad to remain calm and to avoid succumbing to provocations. The opening of the cultural club will be attended by two Macedonian parties – VMRO-DPMNE and Levica. while Bulgarian party VMRO-BND has announced a protest in response. ad/ik/