Bulgaria is in a better position compared to other European countries in terms of gas and oil supplies, because to a much lesser extent than them it is supplied with petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, since the main supplies pass through the Black Sea. This was said by the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynski on the air of Darik Radio, commenting on the conflict in the Middle East.
Bulgaria, as a member of the EU, has guaranteed reserves, which create much greater peace of mind for the economy, the “Lukoil“ refinery processes crude oil. The problem comes from the prices, which we cannot influence, but the government monitors them and measures are being taken to combat speculation. State control in the area of preventing speculation is key. If oil prices become unbearably high for businesses and households, measures will be announced. A very serious analysis is being conducted and the government is prepared for any scenarios, she added.
There is no direct threat to our country, there is to the extent that every war poses a threat to world peace, she added. Asked whether there is a risk that Europe will pay the price of another conflict, Neynsky pointed out that the pressure from Iran is for everyone to pay – for the Middle East to pay through war, by closing the Strait of Hormuz, there is also talk of activating the Houthis, who will obstruct supply channels.
The way for Iran to put pressure is through oil prices. There was an interesting proposal from Russia – to take the enriched uranium to Russia as a kind of guarantee to stop the war, something the US has refused, because such an action opens up a number of issues that also pose a threat to world peace. “They even say that the war in Iran will be decided mostly in the Strait of Hormuz and whether the US will be able to destroy these nuclear ballistic missiles with which the Guards Corps is attacking, because the problem in Iran is whether the national leadership of Iran can control this Revolutionary Guard Corps“, added Neynsky.
When asked whether there is a risk of an Iranian missile being directed at Bulgaria, Neynsky said that at this stage he believes there is no such risk and this is the assurance from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This is the verbal side of the issue, and the practical side is that the importance of Bulgaria being a member of NATO is visible, Neynsky also said.
According to her, the deficit that we still have in our defense system is the lack of missile defense. There are facilities in Northern Greece that protect Bulgarian territory, Neynski added.
Neynski also said that a meeting is scheduled for Monday in Brussels between her and the Greek Foreign Minister and these topics will be discussed again. A meeting with the American ambassador to NATO is also coming up and she will be able to hear their plans and assessments of the development of the conflict and will once again reaffirm Bulgaria's desire to receive all guarantees for the security of the people.
Regarding the American planes that are at the “Vasil Levski“ airport in Sofia, Neynski stressed that they are not used for the war in the Middle East. The tanker planes are here under a note with commitments to NATO, and NATO is not a party to the Gulf War. These planes are here with a very clear mandate and there is no demand to change it, she added.
When asked about the fact that the US officially lifted sanctions on buying oil from Russia and whether this measure is reasonable, Neynsky said that her answer coincides with what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, that this will give Russia a serious breath of air in the war against Ukraine, because, staring at the problems with oil and the war in the Gulf and the attempt to prevent the threat from Iran, we should not forget the other war. Russia and Iran are allies not only in the war in Ukraine, but also in the war in Iran, regardless of what is said publicly, Neynsky also said.
Regarding the main emphasis of the measures being considered by the caretaker government to prevent price speculation, Neynsky said that the way in which “Lukoil“ operates is being checked. At this stage, we have reservations regarding supplies, she assured, pointing out that we have long-term contracts with Azerbaijan and there is currently no reason to increase prices. If the conflict continues for too long and oil prices continue to rise, the government is ready with a package of measures.