site.btaVP Iotova on Middle East Conflict: Bulgaria's Preparation Should Focus Mostly on Border Security

Bulgaria's preparations at present should be focused primarily on the security of its borders, Vice President Iliana Iotova said in Chirpan, Southcentral Bulgaria, in connection with reports that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is preparing for possible large groups of refugees from Iran. Bulgaria already has experience in this regard following the conflict in Syria in 2011, but from now on, the situation in the Middle East requires very careful work not only on the part of the Bulgarian government, but also on the part of European institutions, she said. 

“I have always had serious reservations and criticisms of the new migration pact because, in my opinion, it does not work, will not work, and will create difficulties,” Iotova commented. She expressed hope that events would prove her opinion wrong. "However, as someone who has worked on the issue of migration in European structures for a long time, I believe that new decisions must be taken in this extremely difficult situation that is developing," said the Vice President. 

Iliana Iotova expressed hope for secure borders in Bulgaria's neighboring countries. “I really hope for secure borders for our neighbors, because we are already seeing very disturbing reports from the border between Turkiye and Iran, where entire families are trying to move,” she added. 

Iotova is in Chirpan for this year's Lavender Festival.