The fregate “Drazki” (Daring), part of the Bulgarian naval fleet, will participate in the NATO operation in the Mediterranean “Active Endeavour”. With it’s regular armaments and crew of 152 men it will join the operation between October 4th – 31st. The decision was taken during the governmental meeting on Wednesday.

“Active Endeavour” secures the presence of NATO in the Mediterranean and demonstrates the will of the countries-members of the Alliance to act against terrorism. Participants in the operation oversee all naval activity, escorting ships, stopping and searching of unidentified vessels, etc.

The Bulgarian government will discuss a project for a Fifth additional protocol in the Agreement for multinational forces in South-eastern Europe. The changes in the Agreement include the addition of a larger Bulgarian force with added responsibility in the headquarters of the operation. Thus, Bulgaria will take a larger part in the planning and activities of the naval project, including in missions.

The changes introduce the principles for activity according to the NATO standards. It also regulates the participation in the structures of the operation of countries with the status of observers. The project also regulates the rights of the commander of the “South-eastern Europe” division to sign treaties with a logistical or technical nature. The principle for a shared financial responsibility in the missions is also introduced.