EU Commissioner Georgieva: Terror Act Is Attack on Bulgaria

Society | July 19, 2012, Thursday // 10:43
EU Commissioner Georgieva: Terror Act Is Attack on Bulgaria: EU Commissioner Georgieva: Terror Act Is Attack on Bulgaria Bulgaria's EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva. Photo by BGNES

The terrorist attack at the airport of the Black Sea city of Burgas is an attack against Bulgaria, according to the country's EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva.

A bus carrying Israeli tourists exploded Wednesday afternoon at the airport of the Bulgarian resort city.

Speaking for the Bulgarian National Television, BNT, Georgieva warned that life in contemporary world is turning riskier and people must be prepared.

The Commissioner gave high marks to the reaction of Bulgarian authorities and services, pointing as example the fire brigade and the civil defense team arriving two minutes after the attack.

"We must take care of the victims, notify the families, and launch an immediate detailed probe. There is significant progress in the investigation between Wednesday afternoon when the attack occurred and Thursday morning. Security measures were upped. Our partners must be notified, and I am sure it has been done already," Georgieva stated, stressing that as in any other crisis it is key to learn the lessons and have a plan for protection.

The Commissioner appealed to everyone to unite in providing safety and security for Bulgarians and guests and to be on alert and notify the authorities of any suspicious activity. She, however, warned citizens to not be naive in thinking that there is a magic way to stop terrorism.

"The goal of the terrorists is to scare us. What I see in Bulgaria now is compassion, compassion for the victims and for the witnesses. Remember that this can happen everywhere. Remember how after September 11 Americans united and security was increased. I am sure the same will happen in Bulgaria," Georgieva concluded.

It was reported early Thursday that two more people died from their injuries in the hospital overnight, bringing the death toll to 8. The number of wounded is 37. They were admitted to hospitals in Burgas. The three most critical were transported overnight by a government military plane to Sofia.

One Bulgarian citizen is among the victims. He has been identified as M.K., 36, the driver of the blasted bus, which was supposed to carry the group of Israeli tourists to the Sunny Beach resort.

The Burgas airport is closed; the flights are diverted to the airport of the other Black Sea city of Varna.

The investigators remain at the premises questioning witnesses and examining tapes from security cameras.

Security has been upped in hotels where Israeli tourists are accommodated.

The US CIA and the Israeli Mossad are, reportedly, investigating the attack.

Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, announced that the terrorist attack is most likely the works of a suicide bomber. The information was confirmed by his Deputy, Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov. Tsvetanov also backed reports that the man had a fake driver's license from the US state of Michigan.

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Tags: Bulgaria, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva, Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Black Sea city, Burgas, suicide bomber, death toll, terror, terrorist, attack, Burgas, Israeli tourists, bus, Hezbollah, Iran, muslim groups, Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, explosive, CIA, FBI, MOSSAD

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