site.btaGERB Leader Asks President Why National Security Council Has Not Been Convened Over Threat Reports

Speaking to journalists in Ruse on Thursday, GERB leader Boyko Borissov asked why President and Supreme Commander Iliana Iotova has not convened the Consultative Council for National Security (CCNS) regarding reports of threats against Bulgaria.

"Some of the most respected media outlets in the world are writing about threats against Bulgaria," Borissov said, referring to information published on the Financial Times website that "Iranian forces are assessing options for strikes against US assets in Southeastern Europe, for example Bulgaria, which last month approved the use of its Bezmer Air Base to refuel US aircraft." The British newspaper cited two "insiders close to the regime" in Tehran.

"For several days in a row, ministers have been coming out and saying things that further intensify fears and doubts, create opportunities for manipulation, and allow all kinds of people to make statements," Borissov commented. He said he had heard from one of the ministers in the cabinet that reports from the security services had been sent to the President, the Prime Minister, and the National Assembly Chair.

Those people, according to Borissov, are appointed by Radev, they are "his deputies". "In fact, you have sent a report to one person," Borissov said. He added that not a single opposition party or any other political party had seen what the security services' reports contained. Is there a threat, Borissov asked, questioning why Prime Minister Radev had spoken with NATO on Thursday, if there was no reason for concern.

"If there is no problem, why are they not convening the CCNS? Why would they not reassure us? Why are they talking to NATO if there is no problem?" Borissov asked. "It is not being convened because the real threats would have to be laid out there. Through Austria, I understand that there are reports from the Austrian services to the Bulgarian ones," he said.

Referring to Interior Minister Demerdzhiev's statement that measures had been taken and security had been significantly strengthened, Borissov added that this concerned only the ministers' personal security.