site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Expresses Condolences to Family of Deceased Bulgarian Citizen in Gaza

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on Thursday expressed his condolences to the relatives of the Bulgarian national, employed by the UN, who died in the Gaza Strip on March 19, the government press office said here on Thursday.

Zhelyazkov spoke to journalists in Brussels, prior to his participation in the regular meeting of the European Council on March 20 and 21.

Zhelyazkov said that on Wednesday Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev talked to his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar on the phone. Bulgaria was assured that at the time, according to data from the Israel Defence Forces, the tragic incident is not connected in any way to their actions by land, air, or sea.

"It is important for us to get a clear picture and for responsibility to be accepted," Zhelyazkov added.

As part of his visit to Brussels, Zhelyazkov met with President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde and President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donahue earlier on Thursday. The three discussed the significance of membership in the euro area for Bulgaria.