site.btaAll Possible Routes, Approaches for Evacuation of Bulgarians from Middle East Being Analyzed, Says President

President Rumen Radev told reporters during a visit here on Saturday that he is in constant contact with the security services, and all possible evacuation routes and approaches are being analysed for getting Bulgarians out of the Middle East. "We are working very actively with partner services to ensure a safe corridor," he added. 

In his words, this is impossible by air from Israel, all land corridors are being reviewed. "I hope that this evacuation will be successful, as we have to take into account the dynamics of the strikes the two sides [Israel and Iran] are exchanging at the moment," the President said. 

"The escalation of tensions in the Middle East is getting bigger, but even more dangerous than the bombs and missiles is that we are getting used to the fact that war is normal and that anyone can use missiles and bombs to solve their international issues and problems. This is the biggest problem," the head of State argued. In his words, it is worrying that the international community cannot react adequately in this situation, and even more worrying that the United Nations is watching helplessly everything that is happening. According to Radev, a serious mobilisation of all international institutions of the international community is needed, and citizens should insist that there is a ceasefire as soon as possible. "The risk is already towards a global military clash," he added.  

The President noted that several months ago, he had convened the Consultative Council for National Security on the same topic, and some of the decisions and opinions adopted at that time have not yet been implemented. Radev added that he had convened a consultative meeting with the security services and competent ministries because the missiles were already flying and he could not wait for Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to return from his trip abroad. 

"Let these opinions and decisions that we adopted on October 4 [2024] regarding the conflicts in the Middle East be really implemented, there are points not yet implemented. I expect the Executive to engage directly with them," the President told reporters.