site.btaForeign Minister Says Bulgaria Prepared to Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Once "Window" Opens

Bulgaria is fully prepared to send aircraft to gradually evacuate Bulgarian citizens who wish to leave the region as soon as a "window" is provided, caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said in an interview with bTV on Sunday.

An agreement is awaited between the parties to the conflict to provide humanitarian corridors that would allow planes to begin transporting people wishing to leave countries in the Middle East region. Neynsky underlined that Bulgaria’s priority is ensuring the safety of Bulgarian citizens in the region. "The airspace in the region is closed to flights, which makes air evacuation difficult. We are in constant contact with our embassies and consulates, as well as with the foreign ministers of the countries," she said.

She noted that it is unclear when such a "window" will open and advised Bulgarian citizens to remain in safe locations and await instructions from the state. "Our consulates, embassies and central offices are working around the clock," Neynsky assured. She also informed of a problem with the Foreign Ministry's website, saying she had discussed it with the Transport and Communications Minister, who had committed to resolving the issue.

Neynsky said she had instructed deputy ministers to hold regular press briefings to inform the public about the measures being taken and where those in need should seek assistance. "Since 5 a.m. today I have spoken with dozens of people who, in their anxiety, found my phone number. I have carefully tried to provide each of them with information and advice on what to do. I realize that the situation is worrying for people there," the caretaker Foreign Minister said.

She added that she had spoken with the foreign ministers of Kuwait and Israel. "The countries of the Gulf region are extremely surprised that a neighbouring state such as Iran is attacking civilian targets. Shopping malls and residential buildings are being targeted," Neynsky said.

Asked about reports of missiles launched toward Cyprus, she replied that the missiles had been fired but had fallen into the sea. In practice, this marks the first attack against an EU Member State currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. Neynsky said there were no reports of damage in Cyprus.

In response to a question about whether Bulgaria had been warned by its American partners about the impending strike, the minister said: "We were aware that a strike was expected this weekend. The manner in which it would be carried out and which option would be chosen by [US President Donald] Trump was not known until the last moment, given the specifics of the operation, but we knew that such a strike was expected over the weekend," Neynsky said.

Regarding the military aircraft at Sofia Airport, the caretaker Minister said they are in Bulgaria for pre-planned training activities until the end of May and have nothing to do with the logistics of the military operation in the Middle East. They are in the country on the basis of a note received through the US Embassy. "Bulgaria is not part of the military actions and is not a party to the conflict," the caretaker Foreign Minister stressed. She said there is no change in the role and function of the aircraft in light of the new circumstances. If there were a request to change the function of these or other aircraft, this would require authorisation by the National Assembly, but no such request has been made, Neynsky assured.

She stressed the importance of preventing the spread of radical Islam in Bulgaria and recalled the terrorist attack at Burgas Airport, in which many people were killed and injured. "Bulgaria has a peaceful Muslim community that wants to live calmly. Our interest is that there should be no such kind of policy as the one pursued by Iran," the caretaker Foreign Minister said, adding that it is also important to prevent refugee flows.