site.btaOutgoing Defence Minister Reports Positive Changes in Army within His Term

Sofia, July 31 (BTA) - "We found a system in a critical state with demotivated people. Today, things are different. There have been considerable changes for better and this is good for the defence and for the country, outgoing Defence Minister Angel Naydenov said at a conclusive news conference reporting on his performance.

He noted that he leaves the Ministry with satisfaction and with the understanding that a step forward was made during these 14 months.

Naydenov stressed the results achieved in several areas. He outlined the actions undertaken for halting the erosion of the defence capabilities. These include review of the Plan on Armed Forces Development, halting of the lay-offs and the restoration of the military unit in Vratsa.

Ten specific steps have been undertaken for activities, related to restoration of the prestige and the dignity of the military service and profession as the investment in them amounted to some 60 million leva. Among the achievements, Naydenov mentioned the restoration of the Social Policy Directorate, the Social Security Code changes concerning the rights of servicemen upon retirement, the equalizing of the rights of female and male military, the allocation of 22 million leva for the housing stock of the Defence Ministry, the increased compensation for unemployed spouses of servicemen from 270 leva to 340 leva and the increased remuneration for civil employees by three to 18 per cent as of January 1, 2014.

Talking about the renovation of equipment, Naydenov said that it has taken place in all types of sources the Bulgarian Army has. For the first time a demonstation of the Air Force will be conducted on Sofia Airport in September, he added.

Regarding the development of defence capabilities and capacity, Naydenov noted that the actually conducted exercises have increased by 17 per cent, and the international exercises and joint preparation by 7 per cent. Nearly 6,000 Bulgarian service members have taken part in such exercises.

The outgoing Defence Minister also outlined the achievements of his team in relation to the implementation of tasks under three missions: national defence, missions abroad and contribution to the national security. From mid-2013 to present day, the Defence Ministry has conducted 150 operations for search and rescue, evacuation activities, assistance to other state organizations, participation in fire fighting, air transport for medical evacuation or transplantations, assistance and protection of the population during floodings. The military have rescued or provided assistance during evacuation to nearly 860 people.

Among the results achieved during his term in office, Naydenov also mentioned the construction of a 30-km long razor wire fence along a section of the Bulgarian-Turkish border, aimed at deterring illegal migrants.

Naydenov outlined as another achievement the rotation of command posts and the new appointments in the Bulgarian Army during his term in office, which is the most large-scale change in the highest command in the last years. A total of 23 out of 35 positions have been changed, 17 persons have been promoted to a full big brass rank and 9 to generals.