site.bta Simeonovgrad Municipal Council Adopts Declaration Against Construction of Refugee Centre

The Simeonovgrad Municipal Council Friday adopted a declaration against the construction of a closed-type refugee centre in the southern town. The vote was 10-1, with 2 abstentions.

The procedure follows a central government decision of February 17, according to which the State Agency for Refugees was to be granted free management of a former barracks and land for the construction of a closed-type centre for accommodation of persons seeking international protection.

"We categorically oppose the construction of a refugee centre. We believe that such actions should be consistent with public opinion and the desire of residents," the declaration stressed. It also stated that a meeting with representatives of the State Agency for Refugees will be initiated and a petition will be launched against the construction of the centre.