Minister Georgiev Speaks to Media in Parliament
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“The security situation in Iran is deteriorating with each passing day. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our personnel required us to take action to relocate a total of 17 individuals—diplomatic staff and their families—to a safe destination.
In addition to this, late last night, two more Bulgarian citizens—who were the only ones to request assistance—crossed the border into Azerbaijan.”
This was stated to the media by Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev prior to the start of his hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs. He clarified that the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Islamic Republic of Iran will be temporarily relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, in order to more effectively oversee and coordinate operations on the ground.
He further explained that, due to the closure of Iranian airspace, evacuation options remain limited, but alternative routes are being actively explored.
Minister Georgiev also stated that, on a temporary basis, the Consular Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Tehran, Iran, is suspending services to the public. Bulgarian nationals in need of assistance may contact the Coordination Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through all dedicated phone lines, which will be operating around the clock, receiving alerts, providing information, and offering support to our compatriots whenever needed.
He assured the public that the Bulgarian Embassy in Tel Aviv is operational on the ground, maintaining constant contact with citizens and providing assistance wherever necessary and possible.
Georg Georgiev reported that, due to the specific circumstances, there are Bulgarian citizens in Israel who either cannot or do not wish to be evacuated by means other than air travel. However, the closure of Israeli airspace currently makes such evacuation impossible.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its gratitude to all institutions that have provided – and continue to provide – assistance, as well as to the teams at Bulgaria’s diplomatic missions for their professionalism and dedication..