Russia Worried by America's New Security Law
The US new security law allowing the military to detain American terrorist suspects without trial has become a major cause of concern for Russia.
Bulgaria will most probably accept one or two detainees from the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, responding positively to Washington request to house prisoners.
“The final decision will be taken by an intergovernmental working group with representatives from all institutions involved,” Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said after the joint meeting of the foreign policy and interior security parliamentary commissions on Wednesday.
The minister stressed that a positive response to the US request is natural, given the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.
Guantanamo prisoners will enjoy a humanitarian status in Bulgaria, which means they will not be put behind bars, but will be treated as refugees.
Bulgaria's prime minister said last week that the country could accept one prisoner from Guantanamo following calls from Washington to take in detainees from the US prison in Cuba. Boyko Borisov told reporters that taking in an inmate would be a strong gesture of cooperation between Europe and the US.
Bulgarian officials however have cautioned that Bulgaria's participation would be small, and people who might pose a threat to national security would be not accepted.
The transfer of prisoners is part of a drive by US President Barack Obama to close the widely criticized jail set up by his predecessor, George Bush, to house suspected militants captured abroad.
Obama had promised to shut down the facility within a year of taking office but, because of diplomatic and political obstacles, there are still more than 200 inmates who need to be relocated.
Earlier this month, the French Foreign Ministry said two detainees at Guantanamo were sent to France and to Hungary. Overall, however, the international response to US requests for inmate hosting has been muted.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
In a testament to enduring friendship, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China
Italy has thrown its weight behind Bulgaria's bid for full-fledged membership in the Schengen area, affirming its steadfast support during Italian President Sergio Mattarella's two-day visit to Bulgaria
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing Bulgaria's commitment to its European aspirations and tackling corruption, outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov held a crucial meeting with EU, Ukrainian, US, and British ambassadors
In a statement that underscores the United States' keen interest in Bulgaria's political landscape, US Ambassador Kenneth Merten expressed disappointment at the failure of negotiations to form a government in the country
Nathaniel Copsey has been appointed as the new British Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria, succeeding Rob Dixon, announced the British Embassy
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev engaged in a telephone conversation with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Bulgaria
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022