site.bta New Defence Chief Assumes Office

New Defence Chief Assumes Office

Sofia, January 18 (BTA) - Rear admiral Emil Eftimov assumed office as acting chief of defence on Wednesday.

At the handover ceremony, former defence chief General Konstantin Popov said that a lot had been achieved in the past year. According to him, in 2016 for the first time in decades Parliament approved 2.3 billion leva for the modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces. "There are already pre-conditions and I am sure that in 2017 there will be a project for the land forces as well which will be approved by Parliament," added Popov.

He said that 2016 will be remembered for the fact that the Bulgarian armed forces along with a number of exercises actively participated in rescue operations, border and population protection.

Rear Admiral Eftimov said that he is ready to take on the responsibility with the clear knowledge about the accomplishments and challenges before the armed forces. He thanked Gen. Popov and assured him that he would continue to work on the priorities which include personnel, modernization and integration.

Gen. Popov received the St George medal First Degree.

General Konstanin Popov submitted an application for discharge from service on December 2. The Defence Ministry explained that Popov wished to leave the new head of State to choose on his own the Chief of Defence with whom he would work.

Outgoing Defence Minister Nikolai Nenchev thanked Gen. Popov and said that life was short but integrity is forever. Nenchev said that he did not influence Popov's decision in any way.