Bulgaria: Relocation of Ukrainian Refugees from Hotels to State Resorts Continues Today

Second attempt to relocate Ukrainian refugees from resorts and hotels on the Black Sea coast inland. 74 people got on the train in Varna, while on Sunday there were only 5 Ukrainians at the station.

According to some of those already accommodated in the resort of Panichishte, there were not enough good conditions such as shops and pharmacies. And according to the staff at the refugee crisis headquarters, the information campaign for the relocation was delayed.

The refugees arrived in the capital late in the evening. Volunteers greeted them with sandwiches and water, and then the Ukrainians left for the resort in Panichishte.

"Most likely, Ukrainian citizens gave up at the last minute yesterday. We have organized buses and trains. Declarations have been handed out in the hotels, which Ukrainians must sign," said Konstantin Botev, a state expert with the Tourism Policy Directorate at the Ministry of Tourism.

"The main reason for the refusal to transport yesterday was the total lack of information from the Crisis Staff and the Refugee Agency. It was very clear that they would not stay in the hotels. The expectations were that they would be moved to places where they could integrate into Bulgarian society. There are no answers, they are worried about the unknown", commented Roman Kuvaev - a volunteer who helps refugees.

"After realizing that they would be transferred to Panichishte, the refugees began to ask questions. There were no answers. They searched the Internet for information and saw that the population of Panichishte was 9 people. And again they started asking questions - is there a pharmacy there, is there a shop - there were still no answers", he added.

People leaving...

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