site.bta230 Military Staff Sent to Border with Turkey after Attempted Coup in Bulgaria's Southern Neighbour

230 Military Staff Sent to Border withTurkey after Attempted Coup in Bulgaria's Southern Neighbour

Sofia, July 16 (BTA) - In the wake of the failed coup attempt in Turkey, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that 230 military personnel, senior Defence Ministry staff, and the Interior Ministry Chief Secretary were sent to the border with Turkey. Bulgaria is ready to provide a plane to take back Bulgarians there, Borissov said, speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon after a meeting with heads of various services which was also attended by Turkish Ambassador to Sofia Suleyman Gokce.

Borissov said that the three border checkpoints between Bulgaria and Turkey were open. Traffic from Turkey into Bulgaria was suspended for several hours on Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister said that there are no signs to suggest a flow of migrants from Turkey. He said that the Bulgarian and Turkish authorities maintain proper communication. The State Agency for National Security and the State Intelligence Agency have been placed on high alert.

Borissov said that the tension in Turkey after the attempted coup in the early hours of Saturday seems to be easing. No information has been received about injured Bulgarians there.

The Prime Minister said he was given assurance that the Bulgarian-Turkish border will not be subjected to pressure. Borissov urged for finding a lasting solution to all similar conflicts as "they do not lead to anything good".

After his talks with Ambassador Gokce, Borissov said that no tension is observed amongst the three million migrants on the territory of Turkey.

As the attempted coup unfolded in Turkey, Borissov met with the heads of the State Agency for National Security, the State Intelligence Agency, the ministers of interior and foreign affairs, and all heads of the Bulgarian security services in relation to the situation unfolding in neighbouring Turkey, Cabinet's press centre reported in the early hours of Saturday.

The Foreign Ministry advised all Bulgarian citizens to cancel their trips to Turkey, regardless of what means of transport they were planning on using. The Ministry urged all Bulgarians in Turkey to stay inside the hotels and residences they are currently in, to avoid public places and register on the Ministry's website as soon as possible.

BH Air's flight to Antalya and Turkish Airline's flight to Istanbul from Sofia on Saturday were cancelled, the Sofia Airport said.

The centrist Movement for Rights and Freedoms issued a statement expressing its concern with the developments in Turkey and also the Movement's categorical support for the legitimately elected institutions in Turkey: President, Parliament, cabinet.