site.btaBulgaria Concerned about Rapid Deterioration of Situation in Lebanon, Foreign Minister Kondov Says in Luxembourg

Bulgaria's caretaker Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s regular meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, his ministry said in a press release. The foreign ministers discussed the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the upcoming elections in Georgia and Moldova, the risk of conflict in the Horn of Africa, and in Venezuela, as well as the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Addressing the forum, Kondov stressed Bulgaria's continued support to Ukraine, the need for targeted measures to support Ukraine’s energy system and the full implementation of sanctions against the aggressor. He also underscored the diplomatic efforts within the UN to further support Ukraine at the international level.

''Bulgaria is deeply concerned about the rapid deterioration of the situation in Lebanon and the grave humanitarian crisis the country is facing. We need to work with all regional actors, in close cooperation with the United States and France, to prevent further escalation of the conflict,'' Kondov said.

''It is with concern that we follow the growing political confrontation in Georgia, where the upcoming elections will be a test for the country's democratic institutions and strategic goals related to the country's European integration," Bulgaria's Foreign Minister said. A democratic and European Georgia is one of the important conditions for security and stability in the Black Sea region, he stressed.

The Council also considered the upcoming elections and referendum on the inclusion of European integration in Moldova's constitution, scheduled for October 20, 2024. "Bulgaria strongly supports Moldova's European future and believes in it. We must continue to assist the country in this important moment of choice'', Kondov further said.