Caretaker PM: We propose that the responsibility for the fence along the border goes to the Ministry of Interior

caretaker propose responsibility fence along border goes ministry interior

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от БНТ

15:18, 09.09.2021

We propose that the responsibility for the fence along the border goes entirely to the Ministry of Interior and, respectively, to the Border Police. This was announced by caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev after the meeting of the Security Council today, September 9, which discussed the condition and the capacity of the system for protection of national security in the context of an expected new wave of migrants.

We are preparing a proposal for a decision of the Council of Ministers, so that this mixed responsibility between the Ministry of Defence and the regional governors for the border fence will be transferred entirely to the Ministry of Interior, respectively the Border Police, the Prime Minister explained.

We are currently in the process of preparing of a regulatory basis and providing funds for repair work on the compromised parts of this temporary facility on the Bulgarian-Turkish border, said caretaker Minister of Interior, Boyko Rashkov.

Practice has shown that such care for this facility is not applied. The Ministry of Interior can detect attempts for compromising, penetration and breach of the border facility much earlier, so we believe that it is more purposeful to transfer these powers to the Ministry of Interior. We have the consent of the regional governors, we have held meetings, Rashkov explained.

According to him, the repair of the facility will cost about BGN 4 million.

We discussed the state and capacity to protect national security in the context of the flow of migrants, as well as measures to improve the Security Council of the Council of Ministers.

The work done by the Ministry of Interior was reported, taking into account the pressure identified in August and early September, including coordination with the MoD in terms of their future participation if necessary. There is coordination, the relevant structures are cooperating, the caretaker Prime Minister stressed.

As at September 5, the figures are approximately four times lower than in 2015, but they are six times higher compared to 2020, which is why we are making enough efforts to detain foreigners who are trying to cross our borders, caretaker Minister of Interior explained.

He added that not only Afghan citizens are trying to cross the Bulgarian border.

Citizens from Turkey are 32%, from Afghanistan 17% and a smaller percentage are Syrian citizens, he said.

At the moment there is a slight decrease in pressure compared to August, so we do not have to include parts of the MoD for border protection, Rashkov added.

The conditions in the ctres for accommodation of refugees are relatively good. The capacity has not been exceeded, but we are ready to open new ones. There is no drastic increase in the admission of foreigners, they are taken care of, including quarantined if necessary, Rashkov added.

Regarding the other point in the topics of the meeting - the functioning and implementation of the national security system and the work of the press secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister explained that this secretariat has not been established over the years.

Next week we are ready to submit a proposal to the Council of Ministers for the establishment of this secretariat at the Council of Ministers.

Preparation of an amendment to the Crisis Management Act was also discussed at the meeting.

There are topics that are on the agenda of society that need to be thought about in advance. For example, updating the overall policy of Bulgaria towards the Republic of North Macedonia - our political behaviour and the search for future solutions for the peoples of both countries. Without going beyond the framework of the position adopted by the National Assembly, we would like to take actions in foreign policy that are in the national interest of Bulgaria, the caretaker Prime Minister added.