Sofia, Bulgaria: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov‘s participation in an upcoming Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meeting in Skopje is contingent on Bulgaria’s willingness to open its Airspace.
The delicate situation arises from Bulgaria’s closure of its skies to Russian aircraft in adherence to European Union sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine.
The OSCE meeting, scheduled for November 30 and December 1, hangs in the balance as Lavrov awaits confirmation that Bulgaria will allow his plane to enter its Airspace.
Lavrov was quoted by Interfax stating, “It seems that Bulgaria has promised North Macedonia that it will open its airspace – if that happens, we will be there.”
This follows North Macedonia’s recent decision to permit the entry of Lavrov’s plane for the OSCE meeting despite its NATO membership and EU candidate status.
Bulgaria’s airspace closure has been a point of contention, impeding Lavrov’s visit to Belgrade in June 2022 and casting a shadow over the multilateral OSCE gathering.
The European Commission, however, clarified that individuals subject to sanctions retain the right to travel, primarily when related to the purpose for which they were sanctioned.
North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani has been engaged in negotiations with Bulgaria and Greece to secure overflight permissions. Osmani expressed optimism, stating, “If we decided, I don’t see why they shouldn’t accept.”
He emphasized the clarity of the EU’s decision, which provides exceptions for events related to international organizations such as the OSCE.
Osmani underlined the distinction between the bilateral and multilateral aspects of Lavrov’s visit, emphasizing the latter’s relevance to the OSCE meeting.
Undeterred by the challenges, Lavrov asserted that some Western countries have requested meetings with him, indicating that his name is on a list of conversation requests.
He highlighted a precedent, having met with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, last year. Lavrov’s statement conveyed a sense of diplomatic confidence, stating, “If someone looks for us, we never run or hide.”
The unfolding situation underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations, with airspace access becoming a symbolic battleground amid broader geopolitical tensions.
As Bulgaria weighs its decision and negotiations continue between the involved parties, the fate of the OSCE meeting and Lavrov’s attendance remains uncertain.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members