The United States warned Bulgaria of freezing nearly USD 20 M of additional military aid to the Balkan country, days after it joined the common stand of the European Union member states against signing war crimes immunity pacts with Washington.

No decision to this effect has been taken yet, US Ambassador to Sofia James Pardew told journalists on Monday.

He assured that negotiations with the Bulgarian government are currently underway in a bid to avoid suspending the release of additional aid.

Washington will voice its decision on July 1.

The Ambassador declined to forecast whether the US president will make an exception in the case of Bulgaria, right to which he is entitled.

Asked whether the United States has been disappointed with Sofia's stand, Ambassador Pardew said they are more disappointed with EU member nations lobbying Bulgaria and other countries not to sign immunity pacts with Washington.

Defense Minister Svinarov countered Pardew's statement, claiming that Bulgaria will be granted more financial aid than initially planned. He explained his confidence comes as a result of his talks with President Bush, State Secretary Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

However, Deputy Foreign Minister Lyubomir Ivanov did not share Svinarov's confidence, recalling that the aid might be frozen till Bulgaria joins the Alliance.

Earlier on Monday, Bulgarian Ambassador to Washington Elena Poptodorova said the United Stated will adopt July 1 an act that will freeze military aid to Bulgaria.

The law provides for freezing military aid to countries that don't have full NATO membership.

Bulgaria will suggest that associated members of the alliance continue to receive the aid, Poptodorova said.