site.bta31 Migrants Detained near Malko Turnovo, Military Contingent at Border May Be Strengthened

31 Migrants Detained near Malko Turnovo, Military Contingent at Border May Be Strengthened

Yambol, October 18 (BTA) - A Romanian-registered truck with a Turkish driver transporting 31 migrants was detained near Malko Turnovo (Bulgarian-Turkish border) in the night to Sunday, Deyan Mollov, Deputy Director of the Border Police Regional Directorate, said. Mollov and Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev, who visited Elhovo, told journalists that they expect the migrant pressure to increase in the winter months.

"If necessary, we are ready to provide full assistance in the guarding of the Bulgarian-Turkish border and strengthen the presence of servicemen there," said Nenchev.

Asked when the military may resort to force and firearms, Nenchev replied that this may happen only under the conditions of inevitable defence. The Minister explained that specific instructions for the servicemen have been drafted. They should adhere strictly to the national law, the international legislation and the UN Charter.

Nenchev said that the purpose of his visit was to check on spot the fulfillment of the tasks assigned and the compliance with the Defence Ministry instructions.