Journalist and MEP Elena Yoncheva met with the two captured Bulgarian sailors from the ship "Galaxy Leader". This is clear from a press release distributed to the media, quoted by BNT. The sailors have been with the Houthis since November last year.
"After a long journey from the capital Sana’a to the port city of Hodeida, today I was able to see the two Bulgarians. We met outside the ship, in a room chosen by the Houthis for security reasons. Also with us was Abdulillah Hajer, the president's foreign policy adviser. He assured us that the arguments and calls to resolve the situation that I put forward are being heard, are being taken seriously and an imminent release is being considered," said Elena Yoncheva from Yemen, where she is to see the ship's captain and senior mate Galaxy Leader Lyubomir Chanev and Danail Veselinov, who since November this year are with the Houthis.
Today marks exactly ten months since then.
"I tried to give hope to Ljubomir and Danail by telling them that although they have not yet returned to Bulgaria, Bulgaria managed to come to them. The relatives asked me to hug them on their behalf. I can't hide their words that they are desperate and feel forgotten. This was also evident in their emotional reaction. I assured them that I was doing my best to come home with them,", she also shared.
"The opportunity to see them is a result of yesterday's meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sanaa, Jamal Amer, as well as with his deputy, Abdul Waheed Abu Ras. I requested a meeting with the president of the Supreme Political Council, Mahdi Al-Mashat," said Elena Yoncheva.
Yoncheva expressed hope that her visit will show the commitment of the Bulgarian society to the case and lead to the soon release of the Bulgarians.