January 22 (BTA) - Defence Minister Stefan Yanev
commented before the media on Saturday Russia's desire for
withdrawal of NATO troops from Bulgaria.          

Yanev does not want Bulgarian citizens to be left with the
impression that something special happened on Friday, that
someone specifically "pointed a finger" at Bulgaria and made
special statements. This type of statement is made regularly,
Yanev said, adding that he doesn't think we should be so
sensitive when someone talks about us.       

According to him, the training of a military presence, the
further strengthening of this military presence, the
demonstration of NATO unity and solidarity on Bulgarian
territory will continue, if necessary, through a political
decision, with the participation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.
We have known very well for years what the real situation is
with the modernization of the Army, and we know that there are
certain shortcomings, said Yanev. Bulgaria's shortcomings in
capabilities and military equipment will be compensated by NATO
allies. The Minister confirmed that aircraft from Spain and the
Netherlands will be guarding the Bulgarian sky as part of a
joint air policing task.     

Yanev explained that the rotation of the Spanish forces will be
considered by the Council of Ministers on Monday, and the
rotation of the Dutch armed forces is planned for April-May. It
is a question of rotation of five to seven aircraft in one case,
 and two in the other, as these are fighters of the fourth and
fifth generation, which Bulgaria does not have. The Spanish
contingent will take part with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, and
 the Dutch contingent will be flying F-35. Since Bulgaria does
not have this type of equipment and capabilities, the solidarity
 of NATO countries leads to the use of joint capabilities, where
 possible and in accordance with the wishes and decisions of the
 respective countries, the Defence Minister said.

***

On Friday Sofia reacted to Russia's desire for withdrawal of
NATO troops from Bulgaria. Addressing Parliament, Prime Minister
 Petkov stated: "From this rostrum today I would like to state
very clearly: Bulgaria is a sovereign state and we have long
made our choice by becoming a member of NATO. As such, we will
decide alone how to organize the defence of our country, in
coordination with our allies.   

President Rumen Radev described Russia's insistence on a NATO
troop withdrawal from Bulgaria as "unacceptable and pointless."
"There are no permanently stationed Allied contingents and
combat equipment in our country," the head of State said in a
position, quoted by his Press Secretariat. "Our country does not
 accept peremptory demands from anybody," the position reads
further on.

RY/MT
/МТ/