On the occasion of the release of Gilat Shalit, the Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nickolay Mladenov stated:
18 October 2011 News
All of us in Bulgaria share the joy of Gilat Shalit and his family and friends, that after five years in captivity he has come home. We all wish Gilat speedy recovery after his traumatic experience.
The decision of the Israeli Government to reach a a deal that includes the release of over one thousand Palestinian prisoners, although an extremely difficult decision, is a bold and corageous step.
Special recognition is due to Egypt and Germany who worked tirelessly to ensure the release of Shalit.
Bulgaria calls on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to use the momentum and resume direct negotiations without preconditions and on the basis of the Quartet (US, EU, Russia and the UN) statements.
Today's act should remind all of the continuing plight of the people of Gaza who, as all Palestinian people, and the people of Israel must have the opportunity to live in peace, security and recognition."