site.btaGovernment Approves Resignation of National Protection Service Chief

Sofia, January 31 (BTA) - The government approved Wednesday the resignation of the chief of the National Service for Protection (NSP), Lt. Gen. Angel Antonov, the government press service said. He has submitted a letter of resignation to the President and the government decision is part of a coordinating procedure called for by the NSP Act.

The next step is for President Rumen Radev to decree his resignation.

Gen. Antonov comes down after the military prosecution office announced in mid-January the start of a probe of possible irregularities at the service he heads. A spokesman for the military prosecution office would not confirm rumours that the probe was against Gen. Antonov himself and Gen. Antonov could not be reached for comment.

President Rumen Radev, who has the NSP under his direct authority has declined to comment possible malpractice at the NSP. He said though that after the President's Office lost some powers under his predecessor, he does not have real control over the NSP.