IntMin: Bulgaria Is Not Directly Threatened by Russia-Turkey Tensions

According to Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova, no direct threat exists for Bulgaria from a potential escalation of tensions between Russia and Turkey over the downed Russian warplane.

The relations between Moscow and Ankara have worsened since the downing of the Russian Su-24 bomber by Turkish fighter jets near the Turkish-Syrian border on Tuesday.

Bachvarova stated that Bulgaria views this as an incident and a problem in the relationship between the two countries  involved in it, which could be solved easily and swiftly at the bilateral level.

She commented that the incident added complication to a region where relations are already very complicated. Moreover, it occurred in a region characterised by the endless generation of refugee flows.

In an interview for private bTV station on Thursday, Bachvarova noted that Bulgaria supports the conclusions that the two sides should head towards deescalation of tensions.

According to her, by choosing not to engage in the conflict, NATO took the right decision, which will bring more rational tone to the situation.

In her words, Bulgaria has done everything possible to ensure the security at the country's borders and establishing control of the refugee wave.

Bachvarova explained that the policy, which has been pursued by Bulgaria since the beginning of the year, has been systematic.

The interior minister added that the refugee flow through Bulgaria has considerably decreased.

Until now, a total of 28 000 people have passed through Bulgaria. They have been registered and after being granted status, if meeting the necessary conditions, were allowed to proceed on their way.

In comparison, 11 000 people pass through Slovenia on a daily basis, while the corresponding figure in Macedonia is between 4000 and 7000 persons.

These countries do not have opportunity to register them and take their fingerprints, meaning that the authorities were not aware of who was passing through their territories, which posed a great risk.

Bachvarova expressed hope that the fence at the border with Turkey will be completed in the first half of next year.

She added that in a year 330 people were denied access to Bulgaria as it had been established that they posed risk.

This showed that Bulgarian authorities were performing their duties well and were successful in preventing such attempts.

In her words, Bulgarian authorities were quick to react and take the necessary measures in the aftermath of the attacks in Paris on November 13.

Among the measures, which Bulgaria has taken, are: reinforced border control, heightened police presence, a specialised operation.

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