site.btaDefence Minister Seeks Support for Legislative Change to Allow Bulgaria to Protect its Airspace Jointly with Other NATO Countries

Defence Minister Seeks Support for Legislative Change to Allow Bulgaria to Protect its Airspace Jointly
with Other NATO Countries

Sofia, September 4 (BTA) - Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev told the media on Friday that he has asked the partners in the ruling coalition to support an amendment to the Defence and Armed Forces Act which will allow Bulgaria to protect its airspace jointly with other NATO member countries. Nenchev made the request during a meeting of the Council on Development which functions under the Council of Ministers.

He said joint protection of airspace is encouraged by the Allies and it can make things easier for Bulgaria, allowing the government to save money. "We could cooperate with Poland, Romania, Greece and Italy. I have had general talks about whether Romania, Poland or some other country would be able and willing to do the job together with us," Nenchev said.

He also told the Council on Development about his plans to submit shortly a Defence Capabilities Development Programme to the Council of Ministers before it is moved to the National Assembly.

Discussing the repair of fighter aircraft, the Defence Minister said the agreement with Poland envisages payment in installments. "Besides that, we have about 7 million earmarked for the purpose," he added.

Nenchev said he would like to hire Bulgaria's TEREM-Letets company to repair Mi-17 helicopters of the Air Force.

If necessary, the Minister will send more servicepersons to the national borders to help deal with the refugee wave. Sixteen servicepersons are helping the border authorities at the frontier with Macedonia, and since the beginning of the year there have been military working at the border with Turkey, where they are providing only logistical support, he said.