Bulgaria slams Ukraine for regional language ban
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgaria has criticized Ukraine's decision to cancel the recognition of regional languages, a move aimed at limiting Russian influence in the conflict-torn country.
Earlier this week, Ukraine's Parliament canceled a law granting the status of "regional language" to the language of minority groups who make up more than 10 percent of the residents in an area.
But Bulgaria says that the decision affects the 200,000-strong Bulgarian community in southern Ukraine, where Bulgarian was granted the status of a regional language.
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday issued a statement urging "the current political leaders in Ukraine" to demonstrate "responsibility and strive for inclusion of all groups in the Ukrainian society with respect for human rights and the rule of law."
