site.btaBulgaria Sets Example of Guarding EU External Border - British PM

Bulgaria Sets Example of Guarding EU External Border - British PM

Sofia, December 4 (BTA) - The European countries, faced with an increasing migrant flow, should learn from Bulgaria how to improve their external control, British Prime Minister David Cameron said quoted by the Cabinet's Press Service. On Friday, the guest and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov travelled by helicopter to the Lessovo checkpoint and inspected the fence along the Bulgarian-Turkish border. The facility is designed to stop migrants, trying to cross illegally into EU territory.

During their Friday talks Borissov and Cameron discussed the efficient control of the EU external border as well as the finding of a lasting solution of the violence in the Middle East and North Africa. The two underscored again the need of solidarity and concerted action of all member states to stop the migrant wave and overcome the crisis in Europe. Borissov and Cameron commented that this can be achieved by settling the problems at their source, supporting the efforts of Turkey to contain the migrant flows and efficient application of the re-admission agreements with key third countries.

During a visit to the Border Police Regional Inspectorate in Elhovo later in the day, Deputy Interior Minister Filip Gounev familiarized the British delegation with the control of the border, the video surveillance system and the other measures undertaken for checking and registration of the incoming migrants.

According to the Interior Ministry's data, a total of 29,308 illegal migrants have been detained in 2015, while 5,150 persons have been granted refugee status. The security along the Bulgarian-Turkish border has been reinforced with additional officers, including from Frontex and specialized patrols. Construction of the fence along the border also continues.

Prime Minister Cameron said that he is very impressed with the security efficiency, adding that Bulgaria can be given as an example about how Schengen criteria must be met. According to him, it is important for Europe to have secure external borders and in Bulgaria one can see that the Prime Minister and the Government are strongly committed to this matter. Bulgaria has a land and a maritime border with Turkey, which it protects, Cameron noted, adding that he finds this to be an example of how something can be achieved if it is a true priority. The British Prime Minister underscored the importance of supporting Bulgaria in these important tasks. The European states, which are facing the increasing migrant flow, must learn from Bulgaria how to improve their external control, he added.

Prime Minister Borissov noted that Bulgaria is very responsible when it comes to its obligations as an EU Member State. He explained that the measures this country has taken guarantee the security of Bulgarian and European citizens alike.

Before visiting the border, Cameron was received with honours by Bourgas (on the Black Sea) Mayor Dimiter Nikolov.