Bulgaria has been considering criminalizing participation of Bulgarian nationals in the organization of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Similar measures have already been taken by other Balkan countries. This can be done with the adoption of a special law by the National Assembly after the early parliamentary elections on October 5, 2014, Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said at a roundtable in Sofia dedicated to "Prospects for Bulgarian foreign policy - risks and challenges." The terrorist group of Islamic State operates in Syria and Iraq and causes a massive wave of refugees, some of which have already reached. According to Minister Mitov the organization is a huge threat to national security and the security of partners in the EU and NATO.
"Bulgaria is part of the political efforts of the transatlantic community to deal with the threat coming from Islamic State. Priorities are military neutralizing and stopping financing going to the terrorist group. Priority is also identifying militants with passports of EU Member States, USA, Canada and other member countries of NATO and to take appropriate measures against their return", the minister said and added:
Bulgaria will not be removing the 30 kilometer fence erected along the border with Turkey, even though it is a temporary measure, the Minister further said.
What are the threats to Bulgaria coming from Islamic State? More from Middle East and Balkan policy expert Zornitsa Ilieva:
"Bulgaria has so far sent arms and ammunition totaling 6 million dollars for the army of the Kurds in Iraqi Kurdistan to fight against the group. Other EU countries such as France also plan similar measures. Kurds in Syria, however, have already been forced to flee to Turkey where the Kurdish issue is delicate and they are not allowed to go and fight in support of their brethren in other countries, Ms. Ilieva says. According to her, Bulgaria cannot afford direct participation in the conflict but could help with firearms, experience and people in Iraq and Syria who graduated in Bulgaria, speak Bulgarian and do not participate in terrorist groups. These people can be a bridge for providing help besides providing airspace, which is not always accepted by the local population as a positive act. Decisions must be taken carefully in order to have balanced policy", Zornitsa Ilieva says in conclusion.
English: Alexander Markov
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