Burgas Terrorist Attack Not to Mar Bulgaria-Israel Ties, Israeli Min Says

The July 18 terrorist attack in Bulgaria's Burgas, which claimed the lives of 5 Israeli tourists and 1 Bulgarian driver, will not mar the relations between Bulgaria and Israel, according to Israeli Minsiter of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov.

"Bulgaria and Israel are friendly nations and we will not allow the terrorist attack in Burgas to overshadow our traditionally good ties. Any change in our relations would be a reward for terrorism," said Misezhnikov at a meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov in Sofia Monday, as cited by BGNES.

On July 18, 2012, a suicide bomber blasted a bus carrying Israeli tourists at the Sarafovo Airport in Bulgaria's Burgas, killing a total of six people, and himself. The Israeli government has blamed the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah for the attack in Burgas.

At Monday's meeting at Bulgaria's Council of Ministers, with PM Borisov, Bulgarian Economy Minister Delyan Dobrev, and Israeli Ambassador Shaul Kamisa-Raz, Misezhnikov declared his condolences to the family of the Bulgarian bus driver who also perished in the Burgas bus explosion.

The Israeli minister praised the actions of the Bulgarian authorities in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Israeli tourists.

"On behalf of the government of Israel and on my own behalf, I would like to thank all Bulgarian services, medics, and citizens who came to the aid of the Israeli tourists hurt in this incident," Misezhnikov stated, underscoring his nation's gratitude for Bulgaria's friendly treatment of its Jewish community.

He stressed that his visit to Bulgaria is a positive message urging Israeli tourists to continue visiting Bulgaria.

"Even after such an incident life and business must continue," Misezhnikov stated.

During the meeting, the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov reassured the public of the government's efforts to investigated the Burgas bus bombing.

"We are working actively with representatives of the best services in the world in order to uncover the identity of the perpetrator," Borisov said.

"Israeli tourists are important for Bulgaria not so much for economic reasons but because Bulgaria is like a second fatherland for them, and they feel good here. It is crucial that we not allow any such incidents in the future," he added.

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