President Iotova holds consultative meeting over the Middle East conflict

President Iliana Iotova held a consultative meeting to assess the risks to Bulgaria’s national security and the measures undertaken in connection with the conflict in the Middle East. There are no direct risks to the country’s security, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of Bulgarian citizens. This is the main conclusion of the meeting, the press secretariat of the head of state announced.

The meeting was attended by caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov, State Intelligence Agency Chairman Antoan Gechev, Military Intelligence Service Director Brig. Gen. Venelin Venev, and State Agency for National Security Acting Chairman Denyo Denev.

• Sofia steps up security at strategic sites amid Middle East conflict
• Government ready to begin evacuation ofBulgarians from Middle East

The evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from the affected countries was discussed and will be carried out at the earliest opportunity. Up to eight aircraft, including the government “Airbus A319,” are ready to carry out evacuation flights, the Ministry of Transport reported.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, President Iotova said the conflict in the Middle East could not be resolved through military action and urged talks.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov