Bulgaria's Interior Minister, Tsvetlin Yovchev, pledged Saturday 1 000 more beds for refugees.

Speaking before the public radio, he explained the situation in Bulgaria remains critical as the country has long exhausted the capacity of its refugee shelters, but promised 1 000 new beds in just 5 to 10 days.

"We will manage the peak of the crisis in a short period time and will continue our efforts as the refugee influx will not diminish anytime soon," stated the Minister.

He further informed that Bulgaria had already secured the needed medication, medical teams of doctors to examine both immigrants crossing the border and those in shelters, while another 6-7 translators will be hired in upcoming days.

"We have also developed a set of criteria for risk assessment to identify riskier refugees and we have planned for active exchange of information with partner services. We have held meetings to secure local and international assistance. We expect help from the Agency for Assistance of Asylum Seekers and Frontex. It is possible that we will be able to obtain financial help as well," Yovchev said.

The Minister explained the EU budget did not have much funds for refugees until the end of the year and while Bulgaria is among the countries with increased risks, the situation was much more serious in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta.

Yovchev reiterated there is no need currently to close the borders and if such need arises the Parliament can vote on a decision for it.

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