site.btaBulgaria Is Not Participating in War, President Iotova Says

Bulgaria is not participating in a war, and Bulgarian airspace has not been handed over to a foreign power, President Iliana Iotova said in an interview on Bulgarian National Television on Friday. "The Bulgarian government acted honestly. Everyone in the National Assembly had the opportunity to express their views and vote. The majority assumed its responsibility. I commend all parliamentary groups that voted. I regret that some did not have the courage to take part in the vote," she said in response to a question about Parliament’s decision to authorize the deployment of up to eight US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base until October 1.

"I would have convened the Consultative Council on National Security if the issue had not been brought before the National Assembly, which is where this decision should be taken," the President noted. MPs have the opportunity to review the reports of the relevant services, familiarize themselves with the information, request any additional details they deem necessary, and even hold a closed session if they consider it appropriate, she said. Iotova added that she had reviewed the opposition’s demands.

Iotova said she would convene the Consultative Council on National Security under two scenarios. "The situation in the Middle East is being monitored hourly. If the conflict expands in the coming days, if there is an immediate threat to Bulgaria and the region, if this conflict and its new phase continue long enough to have consequences for Bulgaria, then this would truly warrant a well-prepared Consultative Council bringing everyone together," she said.

She also identified Bulgaria’s outdated security strategy as a possible topic for discussion at a Council meeting.