Bulgaria must seek additional guarantees for security in the conditions of global conflicts. This became clear from the words of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the DSB Atanas Atanasov in "The Day Begins with Georgi Lyubenov".
Atanasov warned that Bulgaria is surrounded by two wars – in Ukraine and the Middle East, and called for discussion of additional guarantees for the country's security.
„Bulgaria is surrounded by two wars. On the one hand, there is Russia's aggression in Ukraine, on the other hand, there is what is happening in the Middle East – the US and Israel's strike against Iran. This strike was caused by many years of human rights violations, violations of international treaties by Iran. I want to recall what the Prime Minister of Italy Meloni said, that what is happening in the Middle East is the result of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. These things are connected, we live in a global world where these things are happening. But - Bulgaria and where are the guarantees for Bulgaria's security, we somehow forget that Bulgaria is a member of NATO and the EU.“
In his words, the initiative of the French President for additional security guarantees is particularly important:
„This initiative of the French President is extremely important and cannot be ignored. This, after Bulgaria's accession to NATO, is something new, which comes as an initiative from the EU and from a permanent member of the Security Council and a nuclear power, such as France. This appeal is to a certain circle of Western European countries with an eye on the Black Sea region. Obviously, negotiations are underway between France and Greece, there is communication with Romania. We must, at least putting aside the upcoming elections, seriously, the political forces decide – do we have a place under this nuclear umbrella, do we have an interest. We from the DSB came out and said yes – this is an additional guarantee for Bulgaria's security.“
The question of how Bulgaria can join this “nuclear umbrella“ is also relevant, but before that it must become clear whether our country wants this, he stressed.
“Let us first consolidate under the common idea that Bulgaria should seek additional security guarantees. How this will happen is still an important question, but first let's decide – do we have a place with these allies.“
He called for the convening of the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) to discuss Bulgaria's common position:
„We at the DSB believe that it is mandatory to convene the NSAC and have a debate there on Bulgaria's common position to seek additional security guarantees.“
Nobody is suggesting that we deploy nuclear weapons here, he stressed, adding that it is about giving the French defense the opportunity to provide a nuclear umbrella.
„Let's not put the cart before the horse, let's first decide whether Bulgaria is interested in additional security guarantees outside NATO,“ he also commented.
According to him, it is good for our country that it borders Greece and Turkey to the south and southeast, which can protect us from an attack, although does not believe this will happen.
“Iran does not consider us a potential target“, he commented.
Regarding Rumen Radev, Atanasov commented that he will probably be a participant in the next parliament. According to him, it is time for his requests for participation in politics to become clearer.
Regarding domestic politics and personnel reform in the Ministry of Interior, Atanasov stated that he supports this personnel approach.