Bulgaria supports the efforts to combat all forms of terrorism
09 January 2015 News
Bulgaria is part of the international democratic community and supports the efforts to combat all forms of terrorism. Yesterday's tragic events in Paris show that we should engage in a very active dialogue regarding not only the problem of foreign fighters, but also the fight against terrorism as a whole in order to ensure the security of the European citizens, said Minister Daniel Mitov at today's meeting with Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, who is on a visit to Sofia.
Foreign Minister thanked Kerchove on behalf of Bulgaria for his position regarding the 2012 terrorist attack at Sarafovo Airport. Daniel Mitov emphasized the strong commitment of the Bulgarian authorities to work in collaboration with all partners to prevent such attacks in the future.
The two discussed the practical measures taken by the Bulgarian government to stop foreign terrorist fighters from transiting the country. Bulgaria has undertaken all necessary measures to ensure security along its borders that are exposed to immense migratory pressure due to the geographic proximity to conflict regions such as Syria and Iraq, said Minister Mitov.
Gilles de Kerchove emphasized the importance of bringing Bulgarian legislation in line with the provisions of Resolution 2178/2014/ of the UN Security Council. Foreign Minister briefed Gilles de Kerchove about the activities of the Interdepartmental working group tasked with drafting provisions for criminalizing the activities of foreign fighters.
Minister Mitov and Gilles de Kerchove voiced concern over the activities of the so- called “Islamic State” and rallied behind the idea that the EU should make coordinated and concerted efforts against this terrorist threat. They were unanimous that a solution should be sought in close cooperation with all countries from the Middle East and Northern Africa.
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