We hope that diplomacy will produce the result we all want to see, and that is a clear de-escalation of tensions. This was stated by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov to journalists in the Parliament.
He reassured that there was no cause for concern at the moment. “We follow the events every hour. The assessment of our services is that in the coming days and weeks we have nothing to worry about, but like all NATO allies, we are closely monitoring the situation.
We have a ready plan to withdraw Bulgarian diplomats from Ukraine. We have a plan in place if we see that the risk is rising. We do not anticipate it at this time, but the planes we would send to pick them up are ready. We have taken measures, but at the moment the situation is critical, “said the Prime Minister.
It also became clear from his words that the Bulgarian battalion will be formed in April-May.
“At this point, both our allies and we are taking the right measures, the right positions.
NATO troops are also Bulgarian troops. We differentiate the capacity of our army, “the prime minister explained.
He said Bulgaria’s desire is to be a predictable and constructive member of the Alliance. Petkov explained that the Bulgarian army will be leading.
“The framework state will be Bulgaria. This means that the battle group will be under Bulgarian command and with Bulgarian leadership. For the first time we put such an emphasis on the Bulgarian army, “the Prime Minister explained.
He assured that the government would take all possible diplomatic steps to resolve the conflict, because no one benefits from a real military conflict. According to him, however, the crisis is an opportunity to highlight the deficits of the Bulgarian defense.
“We hope to invest and eliminate them so that the Bulgarian defense is up to standard. We will focus the budget funds where the biggest holes need to be filled, “the Prime Minister explained.
According to him, the Bulgarian army is a leader in Bulgarian security in the framework of a constructive dialogue with NATO allies.
He also commented on the health crisis, pointing out that Omicron is under control and the management model is successful.
“If we had worked with the old model, everything would have to be closed. The focus on intensive beds has enabled us to manage the crisis with minimal damage to the economy, “said the Prime Minister.
Kiril Petkov also said that there is development on the topic with Northern Macedonia, as evidenced by yesterday’s constructive results during the visit of Dimitar Kovachevski.
“In early February, electricity and gas bills will be better because compensation from December and January will go into them. Businesses and household consumers will get a breath of fresh air,” he added.
“The situation at the moment is very difficult, but on the basis of teamwork we are able to largely cope with major crisis situations,” said Petkov.
–
