site.bta Bulgaria Has Plan to React in Case EU-Turkey Migrant Deal Is Terminated

Bulgaria Has Plan to React in Case EU-Turkey Migrant Deal Is Terminated

Novo Selo Training Area, March 16 (BTA) - Bulgaria has a plan for reacting, even if the EU-Turkey refugees agreement is terminated, said here on Thursday caretaker Defence Minister Stefan Yanev, asked to comment recent statements by a Turkish minister.

"Lets look at these statements in the context of the pre-election situation in Bulgaria, as well as in other countries and in Turkey," Yanev said.

He noted that there is readiness to face a possible migrant flow and the Bulgarian servicemen are prepared to deal with such a challenge. There is no border along the border right now and the situation is close to normal, the Defence Minister added.

Asked whether there are plans to enhance the military participation along the border, Yanev explained that his Ministry has complex plans concerning border protection, which involve specific police forces, as well as the Army. There are plans for the complex increasing of forces and addressing possible problems, he went on to say.

Minister Yanev said that he expects that Turkey's upcoming referendum will be held smoothly. Turkish voters can exercise their voting rights at their country's Embassy and different consulates in Bulgaria. Turkey has been granted reciprocal permission to open the necessary number of sections in Bulgaria, just as Bulgaria was allowed to open voting sections in Turkey, he said.

The caretaker Defence Minister attended the command post exercise of the Rapid Reaction Corps France (RRC-FR) called "Trident Jaguar 2017", held in the Novo Selo Training Area.