site.btaBulgaria Reaffirms Support for All Diplomatic Efforts towards De-escalation in the Middle East

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev reaffirmed Bulgaria's support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability in the Middle East during an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held via videoconference, his Ministry said.

Ministers discussed developments in the Middle East, with a focus on the military escalation between Israel and Iran. A common position was expressed that Iran should return to fulfilling its commitments regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy and cooperate constructively with the International Atomic Energy Agency. There was a united message to end hostilities and return to negotiations, which is the only way to achieve a sustainable solution to Iran's nuclear programme. The European Union is in constant contact with its Middle East partners and the United States, as well as with Israel and Iran, in order to prevent the conflict from escalating, the statement said.

Minister Georgiev expressed strong concern about the growing number of civilian casualties on both sides and identified the safety of European citizens as a top priority. In addition, the ministers exchanged information on consular protection of citizens and diplomatic representations of EU member states located in the region.