Mayors oppose stationing of U.S. aircraft at Bezmer

The mayors of the five municipalities in Yambol Region - Yambol, Tundzha, Elhovo, Straldzha and Bolyarovo - have issued a joint statement on social media opposing the stationing of U.S. aircraft and military personnel at Bezmer Air Base, BNR correspondent Daniela Kostova reports.

The mayors said meetings with local residents had revealed deep public concern and that, as representatives of the local authorities, they were committed to protecting the security, well-being and interests of local people.

"We do not support the stationing of military aircraft and personnel at Bezmer Air Base when their presence is linked to operations in a region where active hostilities are under way. We believe such a decision could create additional risks and tensions for both Yambol Region and Bulgaria as a whole," the statement said.

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The statement was signed by Yambol Mayor Valentin Revanski, Tundzha Mayor Stancho Stavrev, Elhovo Mayor Petar Gendov, Straldzha Mayor Atanas Kirov and Bolyarovo Mayor Hristo Hristov.

Meanwhile, residents of the village of Bezmer, in Tundzha municipality, have begun collecting signatures against the stationing of the U.S. aircraft and say they are prepared to protest, BTA reported.

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Late on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said it had received a diplomatic note from the Iranian Embassy in Sofia concerning the stationing of U.S. tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova