Demining of the Black Sea can begin in the spring

The joint anti-mine grouping in the Black Sea can become operational already in April-May.

Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey can start demining the Black Sea already in the spring. This is reported by BTA with reference to the head of the General Staff of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, Emil Yeftimov.

He clarified that there are no fears about the unpreparedness of the teams, since the three countries have been working in joint exercises for a long time. Yeftimov reminded that in order for the group to really work, Turkey must ratify the relevant agreement.

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev added that the group will be open to the participation of other NATO allied countries, but without ships, as the operation will be conducted according to the rules of the Montreux Convention.

Yeftimov also noted that one of the priorities currently being worked on is the modernization of the naval base in Varna. According to him, the military port has not been repaired for decades.

Previously, USM reported that Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey may start demining the Black Sea in the summer.

Read also: Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania signed an agreement on demining the Black Sea