Pakistan, May 29 -- Bulgaria has announced that it will allow US military aircraft to remain in the country only until the end of June, after Washington failed to approve a visa-free travel system for Bulgarian citizens. The decision reflects growing diplomatic friction between the NATO allies, as both sides face delays in resolving immigration and military cooperation issues affecting bilateral arrangements.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria understands administrative procedures take time, but it cannot extend the stay of US aircraft and tanker operations indefinitely at Sofia Airport. He explained that national priorities and regulatory limits required the government to set a clear deadline for the continued presence of f...