Commander of Bulgaria National Security Service Resigns

Lieutenant General Dimitar Dimitrov has been heading Bulgaria's National Security Service since 2007. Photo by BGNES

Lieutenant General Dimitar Dimitrov, commander of Bulgaria's National Security Service, has filed his resignation with President Rosen Plevneliev.

According to the presidential press office, Dimitrov has cited "personal reasons" for his decision.

President Plevneliev has approved the resignation.

Gen Dimitrov has been leading since 2007 Bulgaria's National Security Service, a military agency subordinate to the country's president and responsible for the security of senior state officials.

Until a new permanent commander of the National Security Service is appointed, it will be led by current vice-commander, Gen Todor Kodzheykov.

Gen Dimitrov was appointed as vice-commander of the Service in 2004 and as its commander in 2007 by former Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov (2002-12).