site.btaPM Denkov: All Necessary Measures Taken to Protect Bulgaria's National Security

All necessary measures for ensuring Bulgaria's national security have been taken, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said during his visit to Plovdiv on Friday. All short-term and long-term risks have been discussed, he said.  

"If there is a need to evacuate more Bulgarian citizens from Israel, it will be done. What we have agreed with [Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister] Mariya Gabriel is that the moment there is a group of Bulgarians who need to be taken out of there, if it is safe to fly, it will be provided for immediately," the Prime Minister said.

Regarding the convening of the Security Council, Denkov explained that the purpose is to carefully read the reports of the various services, compare their information and take additional measures if necessary. He pointed out that there had already been a meeting of the counter-terrorism group and everything presented as short and long-term risks had been discussed and the necessary measures have been taken. The meetings at the Presidency and the National Assembly were rather informative, he noted.

He said there was no need for additional security measures at present, but if there was a change in the situation, they would be taken. 

"The ultimatum given by the State of Israel to Hamas for one million residents of the Gaza Strip to leave by Saturday worries me to the extent that it could create some risks for Bulgaria," Denkov said. According to him, these risks are related to a possible refugee wave, but at the moment there is no such danger. If there is a refugee wave, it will be directed towards other countries. 

"We are assessing the risks and all measures have been taken," he said.