site.btaPrime Minister Borissov Comments on Terrorist Bombings in Turkey, Migrant Crisis

Prime Minister Borissov Comments on Terrorist Bombings in Turkey, Migrant Crisis

Sofia, October 11 (BTA) - "The instability in the region, about
which we have always talked and warned, is a fact," Bulgarian
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told journalists here on Sunday,
commenting on Saturday's terrorist bombing attacks in Turkey.

"At this point, there is no information about any Bulgarians
killed or injured in the explosions in Ankara," the Bulgarian
Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Saturday. "The
Bulgarian Embassy in Turkey is in constant touch with the local
authorities."

"I sent condolences to the Turkish colleagues, to the entire
Turkish people, because what is happening is terrible," the PM
said.

In his cable to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on
Saturday, Borissov wrote: "Bulgaria strongly condemns this
brutal act that killed dozens of innocent Turkish nationals.
This tragic event gives us yet another occasion to unite our
efforts in the fight against terrorism, which has no good and
bad face, religion and nationality." "At this harrowing moment,
we are at the side of the Turkish people," the cable reads.

Regarding the migrant crisis, Borissov said that Bulgaria
remains committed to its position on a security zone and will
stand up for it in the EU. In his words, it is normal for the
people who undoubtedly have a problem in Syria to stay near
their territory and be able to return afterwards.

"That is why we will continue to insist that such a zone be
established and that the European Commission assist Turkey with
the money it is spending on these nearly 2 million refugees,"
the PM said. "In this case, Bulgaria is strongly dependent on
Turkey, because unless the Turkish Prime Minister tries so hard
to keep the refugees within their territory, they will come to
our border."

Borissov will meet with Davutoglu at a large international
conference organized by the Turkish head of government on
October 14 and 15.

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has sent a letter of
condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in
connection with the tragic incident in Ankara, Plevneliev's
Press Secretariat said on Saturday.
 
Plevneliev strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Ankara, in
which dozens of innocent people were killed and injured.
According to him, it is unacceptable for a peaceful
demonstration to be turned into a tragic event.

The head of State urges the international community to unite its
 efforts and confront terrorism in all of its forms. "The use of
 violence is unacceptable," his letter reads.

The Bulgarian President expresses his sympathies to the families
 of the victims who perished in this bloody attack and wishes a
speedy recovery to those who were injured.

Also on Saturday, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov cabled
 condolences to his Turkish counterpart Feridun Sinirlioglu.
"The Bulgarian people categorically and resolutely opposes
terrorism as a means to whatever ends! Our country strongly
condemns all manifestations of cruelty and violence against
innocent citizens and calls for solidarity, cooperation and
unity in the fight against terrorism. We are convinced that the
organizers and perpetrators of this criminal act will be
detected and will be justly convicted," the cable reads.