Bulgaria's navy frigate, which set out on April 27 to join NATO's Operation "United Protector" patrolling off Libya's coast to enforce a UN arms embargo, returned to the country Saturday.

The frigate arrived at the navy port of the Black Sea city of Burgas at 7:10 am, and was met by officials, friends and relatives.

The official military greeting ceremony was attended by Deputy Defense Minister, Avgustina Tsevtkova, the Deputy Defense Chief, Vice-Admiral, Minko Kavaldzhiev, and the Head of the Navy, Rear-Admiral, Plamen Manushev.

Since April 27, "Drazki" has travelled 4 350 nautical miles with 5 sailors celebrating their birthdays on board and 9 – their name day.

During the operation, the Bulgarian frigate's tactical group of NATO ships have questioned the crew of 900 vessels and conducted operations on board of 40 of them. Five ships have been diverted to other ports, in accordance with the UN resolution for embargo on the transport of strategic freight, Darik radio.

The Drazki frigate was purchased second-hand over five years ago from Belgium. It has a 160 crew.

The Bulgarian government approved sending the frigate for three months to the Mediterranean Sea to take part in the NATO operation, but Defense Minister, Anuy Angelvo, announced at the end of May that there is no funding to extend its mission.