site.btaPM Radev Says Iran Understands that Bezmer Deployment Is Non-Combat Mission

Iran's leadership fully understands that the US aircraft to be deployed at Bezmer Air Base are not intended for combat missions under any circumstances, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev told journalists in Sofia on Tuesday. "We have long-standing relations with Iran based on cooperation, mutual trust and friendship," Radev said, adding that he does not expect any real deterioration in bilateral relations.

On July 22, Bulgaria's National Assembly authorized the deployment in Bulgaria of up to eight KC-135 military aircraft of the US Armed Forces, together with their crews, up to 250 military personnel carrying personal weapons and ammunition, and airport support equipment. The aircraft will provide support for US operations in the Middle East and will be stationed at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 to October 1. The proposal was submitted by the Council of Ministers.

In his remarks on Tuesday, the prime minister said he cannot specify exactly when the US aircraft will arrive, but noted that the necessary preparations have been completed.

"If it had not been for our government, 15 aerial refuelling aircraft would still be stationed at Sofia Airport until October. Now there may be aerial refuelling aircraft at a military air base, where they belong, and in numbers far smaller than 15," Radev said.

Asked how seriously he views Iran's statement that "the Bulgarian authorities must bear responsibility for the dangerous decision to host US aircraft", Radev replied: "Just as seriously as the previous statement, when the aircraft were stationed at Sofia Airport."

Last week, residents of the village of Bezmer and nearby settlements, including the regional capital Yambol, staged protests against the deployment of the US aircraft. Demonstrators gathered on the road linking the village to the military air base. On July 24, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov met mayors from municipalities and settlements across Yambol Region at the regional administration building to discuss the issue.

In his comments on Tuesday, the prime minister also said the government continues to work towards a US visa waiver for Bulgarian travellers, and he is confident a solution will be found in the near future.

Radev was speaking after a meeting of the Executive Council of Progressive Bulgaria, at which the party decided to endorse President Iliana Iotova's candidacy for president in the upcoming election this autumn. Iotova was Radev's vice president until he left the post of president to run in the parliamentary elections on April 19.