site.btaUPDATED No Evidence Death of Captain Marin Marinov in Gaza Was Deliberate Military Attack, Says Foreign Minister Georgiev

There is no evidence to suggest that the death of Captain Marin Marinov, who was part of the UN mission in Gaza, was the result of a deliberate military attack, Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, told journalists here on Saturday.

He explained that the results of an investigation are still awaited. "So far, the available information does not tilt the scales in any direction, and this is not considered to be a deliberate attack," Georgiev stated. He added that Israel has said it is conducting an investigation, and the United Nations itself will also carry out its own inquiry. "Any information that reaches us will be reflected appropriately," the Minister said.

Georgiev is also quoted by his Ministry in a press release Saturday as saying that Bulgaria strongly condemns any attack on humanitarian missions, diplomatic personnel, and UN staff. 

Earlier this week, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of a Bulgarian citizen working within the UN system in Gaza.

When asked whether Bulgaria intends to conduct its own investigation into Marinov’s death, Georgiev responded that everyone can imagine the challenges of working in such a difficult and dangerous environment. "For this reason, the investigation and clarification of the circumstances are complicated. However, Bulgaria has demanded a full investigation and a thorough clarification of the circumstances under which our compatriot lost his life," Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister said.

He further noted that his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, had assured him in a conversation that the strike did not come from the Israeli Defense Forces.

Minister Georgiev expressed hope that the remains of the Bulgarian citizen would be returned as soon as possible so that his family could lay him to rest. "My colleague, the Israeli Foreign Minister, took on the commitment in the first hours following the tragic event. When we spoke, he assured me that the remains, as well as the injured, would be transported to Israel as quickly as possible. From there, I hope we can ensure their prompt repatriation to Bulgaria," Georgiev stated.

Asked whether he has maintained contact with the victim’s family, the Minister replied that communication is being handled by his colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN mission itself. "We are available to provide any necessary assistance in this situation," he added. 

Also on Saturday, while visiting the town for its holiday, Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov criticized the Bulgarian Government's failure to condemn the Bulgarian's killing. "The death of Captain Marin Marinov, who was part of the UN mission, is a disgraceful act, and the Bulgarian Government’s failure to immediately condemn this killing—carried out by the Israeli army—is shameful. This alone justifies a vote of no confidence, as the disgrace is only deepening," Kostadinov stated. 

Minister Georgiev also took part in the celebrations for the town holiday of Veliko Tarnovo, where he wished the city’s residents to preserve the spirit and pride they have carried for centuries.