Yemen Monitor/Sofia/Exclusive:
The Bulgarian Socialist Party has called on the interim government to authorize its member of the European Parliament to negotiate with the Houthis for the release of Bulgarian sailors captured by the Yemeni group a year ago.
Party leader, “Delyan Peevski,” said on Monday that he calls on all responsible institutions, including the parliament, to grant European Parliament member Elena Yontcheva a mandate to negotiate for the release of the captured Bulgarian sailors from the “Galaxy Leader” ship.
He added that the captain and his deputy, Lyubomir Chanov and Daniel Veselinov, have been held captive by the Houthis in Yemen for nearly a year, and it is the duty of all state officials to do everything necessary to help Bulgarian citizens facing problems abroad.
Elena Yontcheva had visited the Houthis in Sana’a in September and met with the captured Bulgarian sailors, holding a meeting with the leaders of the armed group.
Politician “Peevski” said that Elena Yontcheva proved during her visit and meeting with the captured Bulgarian sailors that it is possible to find a way to negotiate for their release. According to him, she should now obtain a negotiation mandate and all logistical support from the state so that the Bulgarians can return home.
In November 2024, the Houthis hijacked the “Galaxy Leader” ship in one of the most dangerous maritime security incidents in Bab el-Mandeb Strait in decades. It was empty and carrying 25 crew members from Bulgaria, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Mexico. The Houthis said they would continue to target ships owned by Israel.
