site.btaForeign Ministry Prioritizes Safe Evacuation of Bulgarians from Israel But Airplane Cannot Be Sent

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said the safe evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from Israel is a priority. Interviewed by the Bulgarian National Television on Monday, he said lists were being updated as more people requested evacuation from different locations.

It is impossible to send a plane to Israel right now. The safe windows for evacuating people are short, and the only less risky option is to take people overland to less risky regions, Georgiev said.

There are several people who want to leave Iran. Eleven people who left Amman are already in Bulgaria.

"The EU cannot be indifferent to what is happening. It must have a seat at the table when this matter is discussed. It is important to take into account the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which refers to unauthorized actions," the Foreign Minister said.

"We hope this is a temporary situation with a way out. At present, we are at the most critical point in our most recent history," he commented, adding that a decision to convene the Consultative Council on National Security rests with the President.

"At present, there is no direct threat to Bulgaria," Georgiev said.