site.btaBulgarian Leaders Strongly Condemn Brussels Terror Attacks

Bulgarian Leaders Strongly Condemn Brussels Terror Attacks

Sofia, March 22 (BTA) - Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attacks at Brussels Zaventem Airport and in the city's Metro system. Official information put the dead at 26 and the injured at 126, however, public VRT television reported 34 casualties.

President Plevneliev: There can be no excuse for such acts aimed against peaceful citizens

In a message to King Philippe of Belgium, Plevneliev said the news shocked and saddened him profoundly, the President's Press Secretariat reported. "There can be no excuse for such acts aimed against peaceful citizens," he wrote.

The President offered condolences on behalf of the Bulgarian people and on his own behalf. "At this difficult moment I would like to express our sympathy and wish prompt recovery of the injured," he wrote.

Prime Minister Borissov: Bulgaria stands by Belgium in solidarity against terrorism

Prime Minister Borissov said in a statement: "Bulgaria stands by Belgium in solidarity against terrorism. Brussels is not just the capital of Belgium. It is the capital of united Europe. It is the heart of a community to which Bulgaria belongs. Today, more than ever before, all Europeans need to show the whole world that we will not let terrorism destroy our civilization."

Borissov assured the friendly people of Belgium and their government that they can count on all possible support and solidarity from Bulgaria.

Speaking to journalists, the Prime Minister said that over the last couple of weeks the Bulgarian authorities have been planning a nighttime exercise in the Sofia Metro involving foreign forces as well as Bulgaria's Armed Forces and Interior Ministry. "We are trying to get prepared in the best possible way," he said.

In an address at a ceremony for the Worthy Bulgarians Awards, Borissov said: "Unfortunately, a bad foreign policy and ill-thought actions have caused enormous tension and hatred in the world." According to him, it is unfair for Europe to bear the brunt of this violence as it spends billions to help the refugees. "The richest Arab countries did not take a single refugee, but Europe did. And it's not fair when such things happen in the heart of Europe."

Borissov went on: "I hope that this will make those who decide the global foreign policy see sense because we don't know the real extent of the tragedy in Syria, Iraq, Tunisia and Libya. For every action there is a reaction and that's what we see."  

Interviewed by BTA on the phone, Party of European Socialists President Sergei Stanishev said that a strong political response and a new level of interaction and coordination between the services are needed.

On behalf of Bulgarian Muslims the Chief Mufti's Office has conveyed condolences on the occasion of the terrorist attack in Brussels.
 
Foreign Minister Mitov: Europe will find the best way to protect its civilization

Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said in a statement: "Today we witnessed an unprecedented terrorist attack against the capital of united Europe. I am convinced that this attack won't remain without consequences. The perpetrators will be caught and brought to justice." Mitov went on to say that Bulgaria commiserates with the people of Belgium about the victims and that Europe will find the best way to protect its civilization and culture. "Brussels is our common capital and a symbol of our freedom and common values and it will be protected."

Foreign Ministry: No Bulgarians reported among victims

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said there is no information so far about any Bulgarian citizens who may have been affected by the blasts at Zaventem Airport. The ministry is keeping in touch with the Bulgarian Embassy in Belgium.

As Belgium issued level four alert for possible further terrorist attacks after Tuesday's explosions, the Foreign Ministry in Sofia advised Bulgarians planning trips to Brussels and Belgium to postpone them until the situation returns to normal.

The Foreign Ministry announced that the Bulgarian diplomatic missions in Brussels will temporarily accommodate stranded Bulgarian citizens after flights were cancelled upon presenting a ticket.

Sofia-Brussels Flights Suspended

Transport Minister Ivaylo Moskovski told journalists that flights from Sofia to Brussels have been suspended.

Earlier in the day, Minister Moskovski said that Bulgarian airports and the air traffic control authority are ready to handle redirected flights.

The Minister said that terrorism threat level has been raised at least for a month and added that Brussels has introduced the highest level. Moskovski said so far there is no information which calls for the highest terrorism threat alert in Bulgaria.

Interior Minister Roumyana Buchvarova told a news briefing that there was no direct threat to Bulgaria. However, security at airports, railway and bus stations has been stepped. In the late hours of Tuesday a large-scale crisis response exercise will take place in Sofia.