site.btaBulgaria Has Evacuated from Iran 17 Diplomatic Staff Members, Their Families, Two More Bulgarians - Foreign Minister

A total of 17 diplomatic personnel and their families have been transported from Iran to a safe destination. Two more Bulgarian citizens who wished to leave Iran crossed the border with Azerbaijan late on Wednesday night, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev told reporters here on Thursday in connection with the evacuation of Bulgarians from Iran due to the conflict with Israel.

Asked how many Bulgarians there are in Iran, Minister Georgiev said that so far 8 people have contacted the authorities, two of whom have asked to leave the country. He explained that there are Bulgarians in mixed marriages and with dual citizenship in Iran, but not all of them register and the Foreign Ministry knows only those who have come forward. "We continue to be in touch with all those who would like to leave the country safely," the Foreign Minister added.

Georgiev commented that no one has engaged the delegation of National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova, who is in Baku, to evacuate the Bulgarians transported out of Iran. He also explained that the temporary head of Bulgaria's diplomatic mission in Iran would be transferred to Baku, but the consular office would not work with citizens temporarily.

In relation to Israel, he said that at this stage there is no information about Bulgarians wishing to leave that country in addition to the 89 who have already been evacuated. The Embassy is working on the ground and in contact with Bulgarians in the country, the Minister added.

Asked whether the Bulgarian Consulate General in Israel will also be relocated, Minister Georgiev said that the situation is being monitored and if the need for action in any direction is identified, measures will be taken.