site.btaMayors in Yambol Region Oppose Deployment of US Tanker Aircraft at Bezmer Air Base

The mayors of all five municipalities in Yambol Region have issued a joint statement opposing the deployment of US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base. The statement, signed by the mayors of Yambol, Tundzha, Straldzha, Elhovo, and Bolyarovo points out that residents expressed serious concerns about the possible consequences of the deployment, and argued that stationing military aircraft and personnel linked to operations in an active conflict zone could create additional risks and tensions for the region and the country.

The mayors called on Bulgaria's Parliament, government, and relevant institutions to consider the views of local authorities and residents before making a final decision. The mayors stressed that Bulgaria is a peaceful country and that its foreign and defence policy should prioritize citizens' security and avoid direct or indirect involvement in conflicts that do not concern the country directly.

Residents of the village of Bezmer started a petition against the deployment and are considering protests, said the Bezmer Mayor.

The Council of Ministers on Monday proposed that Parliament authorize the deployment of up to eight US KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft, up to 250 US military personnel and related equipment at Bezmer Air Base in Southeastern Bulgaria between July 24 and October 1 to support US operations in the Middle East. The government had received a diplomatic note from the US Embassy on June 17 requesting the deployment under the 2006 Defence Cooperation Agreement between Bulgaria and the United States.