Bulgaria Successfully Evacuates Diplomats from Iran via Azerbaijan
Ten Bulgarian diplomats stationed in Iran have been safely evacuated to Azerbaijan, crossing the border via the Astara state checkpoint
British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) meets with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov (L) at N.10 Downing street in London, Britain, 07 August 2012. EPA/BGNES
Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov and UK PM David Cameron have declared their desire for stricter fiscal discipline in the EU after a meeting in London.
Borisov and Cameron met late Tuesday night for talks that focused mostly on security concerns after the July 18 terrorist attack in Bulgaria's Burgas but mentioned other topics as well.
"Mr. Borisov and I are working very closely within the EU for free markets, strict fiscal discipline, and trade with non-EU partners," Cameron told reporters after the meeting, as cited by the Bulgarian government press service.
"We see eye to eye in many spheres and we are embracing joint policies in the EU, especially with respect to fiscal discipline and security," Borisov has added, thanking Cameron for his backing for the adoption of the latest Bulgarian legislation authorizing seizure of illegally acquired assets.
According to the Bulgarian PM, he and Cameron discussed the "future of key projects that are supposed to provide diversification of natural gas supplies to Europe".
The Bulgarian government press service has added that a day earlier Cameron discussed the same projects with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, as Azerbaijan is expected to become a major supplier of natural gas for Europe.
"British Petroleum are willing to work on the Nabucco West project if it is economically efficient," the Bulgarian PM is quoted as saying after his meeting with the UK PM, referring to the new downsized version of the Nabucco gas transit pipeline.
"We are working actively on South Stream. We should have a joint company in October, and Davide and I have agreed together with EC President Barroso to discuss the Nabucco topic at the next EU Council summit – if it will happen, and if this Caspian gas connection is possible," Borisov stated, referring to the upcoming formation of a joint venture between Bulgaria's state-owned Bulgargaz and Russia's Gazprom for the Bulgarian section of the Russian-sponsored South Stream gas pipeline.
The Bulgarian PM added that Bulgaria deems crucial a project that will bring natural gas to the Bulgarian border. He mentioned the recent visit of Bulgarian Economy and Energy Minister Delyan Dobrev to Turkey to discuss the Bulgaria-Turkey gas interconnection that is to be constructed by the Bulgarian state and private Turkish companies.
"Thus, natural gas from Qatar can come to Turkey, and then to Bulgaria, and this way we can have actual diversification," Borisov said.
Bulgaria has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing Iranian attacks against neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf and the broader Middle East, describing them as unprovoked and indiscriminate
Ten Bulgarian diplomats stationed in Iran have been safely evacuated to Azerbaijan, crossing the border via the Astara state checkpoint
Israel’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Yosi Levi Sfari, described Iran as a persistent threat, warning that the country has openly declared intentions to destroy Israel, either through nuclear weapons or by employing proxy groups such as Hezbollah
Just a day before Bulgaria’s national holiday on March 3, Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova made a striking appearance on Shipka Peak, using the occasion to openly criticize the caretaker government.
Acting Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky has said Bulgaria is awaiting the opening of humanitarian corridors in the Middle East and stands ready to evacuate its citizens by air if conditions allow
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar praised Bulgaria’s proactive role in promoting peace and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip during a phone call with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynski.
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