OMM Redaksiyası
Bulgaria has requested technical assistance from the European Union and NATO to investigate drone attacks on two commercial vessels in its exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, the government said on Monday.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev urged allies to give the investigation priority in letters to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, according to the Bulgarian News Agency.
Radev said Bulgaria strongly condemned military attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crews and was determined to identify those responsible.
Bulgarian authorities have also sought help from the European Maritime Safety Agency after failing to find drone debris that could help establish the origin of the drones. The requested assistance would support the examination of physical evidence, satellite data and other information gathered during the investigation.
Radev said Sofia would take all necessary steps to establish responsibility beyond doubt, and highlighted the EU’s role in providing technical support through the European Commission and its agencies. Bulgaria is also in contact with NATO about assistance from allies, he added.
Once those responsible are identified, Sofia will pursue all available diplomatic and legal measures in accordance with international law, Radev said.
At a Cabinet meeting on Oct. 6, Radev said two commercial vessels had been attacked at about 3 a.m. local time, or 0000 GMT, using maritime and aerial drones. Both vessels sustained damage.
