site.btaDefence Minister: Allies Have Reported Bulgarians Fighting for the Islamic State

115 MILITARY - MINISTER - COMMENT

Defence Minister: Allies Have Reported
Bulgarians Fighting for
the Islamic State


Sofia, October 30 (BTA) - Answering a question, Defence Minister
Velizar Shalamanov told journalists Thursday that allies had
provided information about Bulgarians fighting for the Islamic
State, which is very alarming.

Asked about the threat posed by the Islamic State, Shalamanov
commented that the risk is big, which is why there is a US-led
international coalition. "On Wednesday the Chief of Defence, the
Air Force Commander and I visited the George Bush Aircraft
Carrier in the Mediterranean and saw for ourselves our allies'
great readiness and power," said Shalamanov. He added that being
part of NATO and the EU, Bulgaria should also develop
capabilities for this type of operations.

Shalamanov said, however, that Bulgaria has no such capabilities
now, adding that this is one of the reasons why rearmament is
given more serious consideration.

The need for a National Programme for Bulgaria in NATO and
European Defence 2020 stems from the fact that the country's
armament and equipment are obsolete and incompatible with those
of its allies, said Shalamanov.

He participated in the Diploma Ceremony of the Year 2014 at the
National Defence Academy. LI/DD