Bulgaria’s Transport Minister Georgi Peev addressed the planned deployment of US military aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer airbase, stressing that the presence of American aircraft is based on an existing defense cooperation agreement between the two countries.
“Let’s start with the facts. First, there has been an agreement between Bulgaria and the United States of America since 2006 on cooperation in the field of defense. Bezmer airport is designated as a base for joint use,” Peev said.
He explained that the government decided to move the aircraft from Sofia Airport because of concerns related to safety, operational disruptions and public anxiety.
“We must be honest with our citizens. We have an agreement with a partner country and on the basis of this agreement there are relevant procedures. They must be followed,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, Progressive Bulgaria deputy chairman Slavi Vassilev defended the government’s proposal to allow the deployment of up to eight US KS-135 tanker aircraft, up to 250 American military personnel and related equipment at a Bulgarian military facility.
