site.btaPresident Plevneliev on Security Risks and Defence Spending

President Plevneliev on Security Risks and Defence Spending


Sofia, February 10 (BTA) - "The risks are increasing while
defence spending in Bulgaria is decreasing. This is
inadmissible," Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev, who is
Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, told journalists
 here on Tuesday after taking part in the conference of the
Chief of Defence, Vice Admiral Roumen Nikolov.

The head of State pointed out that "security costs money, but
freedom and peace are invaluable." "Investments in defence
capabilities imply more jobs and more business," Plevneliev
said, stressing that he was speaking about defence capabilities
because "no one in this country intends to attack anybody
whatsoever, nor is anyone planning any such move."

The President called on the Government to find reserves and
within the current year to honour the commitment assumed not to
cut the money for defence. "This is important for our army and
for its capabilities, for its motivation, but also for the
country's international authority and reputation as a reliable
partner in the Alliance." The head of State recalled that the
NATO Summit in Wales decided categorically that defence spending
 should not be reduced but should be gradually increased over
the next ten years until it reaches 2 per cent of GDP. "This is
a politically binding decision," Plevneliev noted, adding that
it is the responsibility of the State to guarantee its
implementation. "I expect the defence budget to be updated in
the course of implementing the 2015 financial year," the
President said.