site.btaIran Note Normal Diplomatic Practice, Foreign Minister Neynsky Says

Speaking on Nova TV on Thursday, Bulgaria’s caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said that a note is a normal diplomatic practice in a period of tensions and crises. "It is not a threat but a warning," she added, regarding a note sent by Iran to Bulgaria. "In such diplomatic notes during wartime there is always a warning that a country reserves the right to react if it considers its interests or national security to be threatened," Neynsky said.

The Minister noted that Bulgaria maintains dialogue with Iran and bilateral diplomatic relations are intact. "We have repeatedly assured them that Bulgaria is not participating in the war, no combat aircraft are flying over our airspace and there is no refuelling over Bulgarian territory," Neynski stressed. According to her, the presence of US aircraft at Sofia Airport has been arranged with Washington through a bilateral note for training activities over a period of time. The Foreign Minister noted that the commitments undertaken apply to the territory of Bulgaria and are not related to combat operations. "The presence of these aircraft provides additional security for the airport, as they are heavily guarded," Neynsky said.

The Foreign Minister noted that the decision had been taken before the present caretaker government assumed office on February 19. "The Bulgarian government is closely monitoring the circumstances related to the commitments undertaken with the US side, as well as Iran's concerns regarding these aircraft," she added.

Neynsky also commented that there is no diplomatic practice for such notes to be made public. She said the Iranian note is dated March 18, and pointed out that Bulgaria is in the middle of an election campaign, suggesting that the publication of such a note may aim to create fear and tension in society.

Commenting on the security agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine signed by caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Neynsky said the memorandum of understanding is a political framework that has been discussed and worked on by several successive governments. She stressed that there are no legal obligations for Bulgaria and that any action the country wishes to undertake must go through Parliament. Neynsky also noted that there are no financial commitments for Bulgaria. She explained that the agreement does not fall under the Vienna Convention, which would require a parliamentary mandate and ratification.

"The agreement does not impose obligations but creates opportunities for the development of the defence industry, job creation and high-tech cooperation," the Foreign Minister said. Neynsky added that attempts to discredit the caretaker government seek to suggest that the status quo, although not ideal, protects citizens.

Asked about the British Prime Minister inviting Bulgaria and 35 other countries to talks on clearing the Strait of Hormuz, Neynsky said this is definitely not an invitation for a military operation. She added that she will participate in the meeting.

When the issue of the Strait of Hormuz was raised, US President Donald Trump invited countries with the potential and interest to help. "We stated back then that we do not have such potential and the National Assembly does not support Bulgarian military participation in clearing the Strait of Hormuz," Neynsky said. She noted that Donald Trump is seeking NATO support for the war in Iran, but NATO has clearly stated that it is not participating in the war.