Bulgaria's government was among the first to evacuate successfully Bulgarian citizens from Lebanon, Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin said.

A war was going on in Lebanon, threatening the life and security of citizens. The Bulgarian embassy in Beirut did everything possible to ensure the fast and safe evacuation of people, said Kalfin.

More than 100 Bulgarians decided to leave Lebanon and travel back to Bulgaria. The embassy would continue aiding people still in the country, willing to leave, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

On July 21 a second group of Bulgarians is expected to leave the country. The group would travel to Syria by bus, after which people would be taken to Varna by airplane.

Lebanese and Israeli authorities were warned and the evacuation is expected to take place without any problems, said Kalfin.

More Bulgarians were expected to express will to leave the country. Most of these people live in southern Lebanon, currently subjected to Israeli attacks. Between 50 and 70 Bulgarians could wish to leave the country.

Bulgaria's ambassador to Lebanon took part in a meeting between diplomats from EU member countries, discussing possibilities for joint evacuation operation of citizens residing in Southern Lebanon, BTA reported.