Sofia, February 8 (BTA) - Bulgarian Justice Minister Nadezhda Yordanova believes that there has been no real prosecution of corruption in Bulgaria for long years and saying that loud is not a violation of the rule of law. "My fear is that there was no real prosecution of corruption crimes nor any effective sentences in corruption-related cases for long years. Raising these questions does not violate the rule of law," Yordanova said in a BTA interview on Tuesday.

She was referring to Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev's words in a BTA interview the same day, reiterating what he has said on a number of occasions, that the Justice Ministry and the Interior Ministry are fighting a war against him personally, that proposed changes in the judiciary are not part of a reform based on ideas, and that the rule of law is at risk. Geshev also said that there is a risk for Bulgaria to slip down to a position where it was before its admission to the EU.

Yordanova argued that speaking about the failures in prosecuting corruption and making planned changes in the legislation is a way to stand up for European values and for the idea that the law is the same for all.

Yordanova also said that the contemplated legislative changes including closure of the specialized prosecution services and courts - which handle cases of corruption and those involved high-ranking officials - have been put up for public consultation and various positions have started coming in. Several days ago the Justice Ministry sent out letters to all stakeholders, including the Prosecution Service, asking them to present their positions and ideas to be discussed before the legislative changes are finalized, said the Minister.

The prosecution service and Prosecutor General Geshev are passionate opponents of the plans to eliminate special jurisdictions.

She is adamant that there is no war between the institutions or an interpersonal conflict. "It is a matter of principle," the Minister said. LN/ZH//