PM Glavchev: Negotiations are underway for the release of Bulgarian sailors from hijacked ship 'Galaxy Leader'

The ship with Bulgarian sailors on board, which was hijacked by Houthis (in November 2023), has not been damaged in the latest Israeli attack on the port of Hodeida, caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev told journalists. From his words it became clear that negotiations are underway for the release of the Bulgarian sailors.

"The Houthis are sensitive. They have set conditions, I cannot share them, but the situation is delicate, we are making efforts to save the two Bulgarians".

The aretaker Prime minister said that the government aircrfat will take off for Lebanon around noon today to evacuate Bulgarian citizens.

"According to the latest information there were 61 people wishing to be evacuated, we hope that by noon the plane will be filled, if not - we will offer seats to EU citizens," Dimitar Glavchev said.

A total of 400 Bulgarian citizens have registered at the embassy in Beirut, but only 160 have requested evacuation until yesterday.

He also pointed out that due to the tense situation over the past month the government had the opportunity to ensure the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from Lebanon. However, until the day of the massive strikes there was no one wishing to be evacuated.

The Bulgarian position on Israel's actions is the same as the European one, Glavchev replied to a reporter's question.

"NATO as a bloc is taking measures and is prepared to react if the situation changes. The environment is unstable, another hotbed of tension, but it was not unexpected."

Dimitar Glavchev is opening the reconstructed Kalotina border checkpoint today. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lyudmila Petkova and caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov will attend the opening.

The routes for trucks and cars were renovated and enlarged during the reconstruction, as well as the overall underground and surface infrastructure of the checkpoint.