Russia Must Allow Examination of Plane Cargoes in Bulgaria - FM

Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov has said Bulgaria will allow Russian cargo aircraft to overfly its territory only if Moscow agrees to inspections.

Sofia denied clearance to Russian planes en route to Syria on Tuesday which Moscow said were carrying "humanitarian aid".

Authorities in Bulgaria, however, maintain they received information about weapons on board.

Sofia has not yet received an official demand for explanation from Russia, the Bulgarian National Radio reports Mitov as saying before holding a keynote speech at a forum dedicated to Black Sea security and NATO's role in the wider region.

He cited EU restrictions to the supply to Syria of "certain goods" as a reason which prompted the Foreign Ministry to deny the overflight request.

Mitov is known for typically tough remarks on Russia's foreign policy, especially in light of the developments in Ukraine.

Opposition parties known for stronger ties to Moscow, however, demanded on Tuesday morning that the minister be questioned in Parliament over the decision to ban the overflight, a request which the majority of MPs voted down. 

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