site.btaSofia Calls for De-escalation in Middle East

Sofia called for immediate de-escalation in the Middle East. "We call on everyone to exercise utmost restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran. The Foreign Ministry said it was following developments with deep concern.

Bulgaria is concerned about any actions that increase the risk of a wider conflict in the region. The recent revelations by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran is, for the first time in 20 years, committing numerous lapses regarding its undeclared nuclear material and unregulated activities have created a new and dangerous dynamic in the region. Bulgaria stands firmly behind the need to respect international law and the UN Charter, the Foreign Ministry said.

We believe that a lasting solution can be achieved through diplomatic dialogue and the restoration of negotiating channels. In this spirit, Bulgaria supports the efforts of the European Union and the international community to restore stability in the region, the Foreign Ministry added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant contact with Bulgarian diplomatic missions in the affected areas and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the security of Bulgarian citizens.

Bulgarian citizens in Iran should leave the country immediately and those in the Middle East region should get in touch with the Bulgarian diplomatic missions for the respective country and report their location and planned duration of stay, the Foreign Ministry urged earlier today.

There is no danger for Bulgaria after the escalation of tensions in the Middle East region, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov reported in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. The heads of the security services also took part in the conversation. There is no direct threat to Bulgaria's security is also the conclusion after the consultative meeting held by President Rumen Radev to assess possible risks and threats to national security due to the complicated security situation in the Middle East.