site.btaForeign Minister Mitov Confers with EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator De Kerchove

Foreign Minister Mitov
Confers with
EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator De Kerchove


Sofia, January 9 (BTA) - Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov and EU
Counter-Terrorisn Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove discussed here
on Friday measures taken by the Bulgarian government to prevent
terrorists from transiting the country.

Mitov said that as part of the international democratic
community Bulgaria supports the efforts against all forms of
terrorism. "Yesterday tragedy in Paris shows that we should
engage in a very active dialogue regarding terrorists and the
overall anti-terrorism efforts," said the Bulgarian Foreign
Minister.

Mitov thanked Kerchove on behalf of Bulgaria for his position
regarding the 2012 bus bombing at Bourgas Airport.

The two discussed measured taken by the Bulgarian government to
stop terrorists from transiting the country. Bulgaria has
undertaken all necessary measures to ensure security along its
borders which are put under immense migratory pressure due to
its proximity to regions of conflict such as Syria and Iraq,
said Mitov.

De Kerchove urged Bulgaria to bring in line its legislation with
the provisions of Resolution 2178/2014 of the UN Security
Council. Minister Mitov briefed Kerchove about the activities of
an interdepartamental working group tasked with drafting
provisions for criminalizing terrorist activities.

Mitov and De Kerchove voiced concern over the activities of the
Islamic State militant group and rallied behind the idea that
the EU should make coordinated and concerted efforts against
this terrorist threat. They were unanimous that a solution
should be sought in close cooperation with all countries from
the Middle East and Northern Africa. PK/PP


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