site.btaUPDATED President Iotova Denounces Using Drone Incident for Political Ends

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, President Iliana Iotova commented on the Saturday incident, when a drone entered Bulgarian airspace from the north and exploded near the border with Romania. Iotova stated that she is extremely disappointed by the way this incident is being exploited for crude political ends. She added that the Bulgarian people's security is her top priority at the moment and that she is counting on all institutions and political groups to work jointly, so that this security can be guaranteed.

Iotova said that she is awaiting the reports from the security services to establish, as reliably as possible, the nature of the drone, its origin, the function it was performing, its role, whether it strayed off course or whether its entry was deliberate. The President said that she is in contact with the Council of Ministers and with all relevant agencies to address the situation. She reported that the Consultative Council on National Security will be convened as soon as there is a reason for this.

The President commended the officers who were the first to arrive at the scene of the incident to ensure citizens' safety. She added that Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov assured her that he is in touch with Romanian and Ukrainian partners regarding the case.

Iotova stated that Bulgaria suffers from numerous gaps in its anti-drone systems. Her position was that the State must support Bulgarian companies that manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-drone systems. "This is the future, however difficult it may be to admit, and we have a lot of catching up to do," she added. She reported that both Eftimov and Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov assured her that the country's strategic targets are protected. Iotova said that in her opinion, Bulgaria lacks sufficient resources in this regard and needs major reform.

The head of State said that Bulgaria must play its part in stepping up diplomatic pressure to find a peaceful solution in Ukraine. She emphasized that it would be worthwhile to organize a meeting of the Black Sea region countries, excluding Russia, to ensure the security of the waters. In her view, international pressure is needed to prevent any escalation of tension in the Black Sea and hostilities, including those affecting commercial shipping. "Bulgaria has a vital interest in ensuring that Black Sea routes remain secure, so that we do not suffer losses not only in terms of security but also economically," she added. Iotova believes that the other countries in the region would agree to such a forum, which Bulgaria could initiate.