site.btaContinue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria: Bulgaria's Security Is in United Europe

Commenting the Iran crisis, senior officials of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition, speaking separately, stressed that Bulgaria is not a target in the current escalation of Middle East tensions and that this country's safety is in the security of united Europe. Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria of CC-DB was speaking on the BNT on Saturday, and Nikolay Denkov, CC-DB co-floor leader, posted on Facebook.

Both noted Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, human rights violations, and support for terrorism as threats to international security.

Mirchev said, "We are not part of this conflict, and there is no indication of danger for Bulgaria. Danger arises only if it turns into a regional conflict, if oil supplies are disrupted, and if this affects prices. However, the tanks at the (Lukoil) Burgas refinery are full, as the government has stated."

The hypothesis of Iranian missiles reaching Bulgaria was described by Mirchev as "theoretical". "Many Bulgarian politicians exploit people’s fears," he said. "Bulgaria, first of all, is not a target. Fighter jets do not take off from Bulgarian airports, missiles are not launched from here. And even if we were a target, we are at a considerable distance - I doubt it is possible for these missiles to go through without being intercepted - they would have to go through Turkiye and Greece. The likelihood of them reaching Bulgaria is very small," Mirchev said.

He underscored that Iran has a nuclear program, the Tehran regime has killed thousands of protesters, and supports terrorism. "The important thing is that Bulgaria participates in building a unified European position. We need to understand that Bulgarian security and future lie in Europe, in a unified European security system, rather than looking in different directions or believing that Russia can help us. Iran is one of Russia’s largest allies," Mirchev said.

He was adamant that if Bulgaria wants security, we must look Europe's way.

In his Facebook post, Nikolay Denkov said that "the alarming events in the Middle East require the Bulgarian state to prioritize the security of its citizens, working in coordination with the EU to seek a diplomatic resolution to the crisis". "The Iranian regime is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people fighting for their civil and human rights. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, as well as its support for terrorist organizations, including in other countries, pose a serious threat to international security - and must be stopped. For this reason, the EU has imposed strict economic sanctions on Iran. In the current escalation, the protection of civilian populations and the observance of international humanitarian law must remain the top priority".

He stressed that restraint and diplomatic solutions are needed, including a peaceful transition to governance in Iran chosen by its citizens through free and fair elections.