US Envoy: Obama Expects from Bulgaria Terror Act Info

US President, Barack Obama, is expecting to hear from Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, the latest developments in the probe in the Burgas terror act, according to the new US Ambassador in Sofia, Marcie Ries.

Ries, who assumed her post at the end of September, made the comment in connection with the Tuesday official White House announcement that Obama will host Borisov on December 3.

Speaking Wednesday for Bulgaria's largest private TV channel bTV, the Ambassador noted that naturally the topics of discussion would involve matters of bilateral and regional interest, current issues of NATO missions, particularly in Afghanistan, the rule of law in Bulgaria, adding she believed Obama in particular would want to hear what is happening with the Burgas bombing probe.

When asked if she was expecting important news, especially about the Burgas terror attack, Ries said it was difficult at the moment for her to have any forecasts and future will tell.

Until now, the Bulgarian Interior Ministry has only made public computer generated images of the alleged bomber and one accomplice.

Five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver were killed in the July 18 terrorist attack in the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Burgas. 32 Israeli tourists were injured. Israeli and American intelligence and officials largely blame Hezbollah for the attack.

However, Bulgarian officials, including the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, have been very wary of directly involving Hezbollah, reiterating it all depended on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Recently, European diplomats were quoted saying that he results of Bulgaria's probe in July's bombing of an Israeli tour bus, including a possible Hezbollah lead, will be "essential" for the EU process to list the Lebanese organization as a terrorist entity.

The US included Hezbollah in the list of terrorist organizations as early as 1995.

On Tuesday, Ries further said that Bulgaria was a key member of NATO and a very active partner in missions such as the ones in Afghanistan and Libya, stressing the US hoped the two countries will continue to walk in the same direction.