Sofia, January 11 (BTA) - Bulgaria's leaders and politicians offered their condolences on the passing of European Parliament President David Sassoli. Messages of condolences were sent by National Assembly Chair Nikola Minchev, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, President Rumen Radev and political leaders.

"We have lost a bright figure in European politics, an inspired European who spared no effort to find accord on matters of importance for the future of Europe," wrote the Bulgarian Parliament leader.

In a post on the Facebook page of the government, Prime Minister Petkov called David Sassoli "an outstanding personality" and said that he was "an example and an inspiration for all of us who work for a strong and prospering European Union".

President Radev said in his message that Sassoli was "a true advocate of European values and democracy" who worked for a more just and more united Europe.

Deputy Prime Minister and Socialist party leader Korneliya Ninova wrote in a Fecebook post that "a very honourable man and socialist'', "an intelligent leader and visionary" has passed.

"We lost a great friend and leader," wrote GERB leader and former prime minister Boyko Borissov in his Facebook post.

Party of European Socialists (PES) President Sergei Stanishev wrote on Facebook that everybody at PES was deeply saddened by the loss of Sassoli and called him "a convinced democrat, true defender of the European principles and remarkable person". "He was an unrelenting fighter for the European project". RY/DT/KK/LN/