It would be very beneficial for Bulgaria if President-elect Georgi Parvanov, current President Stoyanov and Bulgaria’s former Head of State Zhelev cooperate when important decisions are being taken,” Gernot Erler, Deputy Floor leader of the German Social Democratic party, said after his meeting with President Stoyanov. According to him this would also give a good example of continuity in Bulgaria’s policy. He also expressed concerns about Bulgarian politicians’ statements according to which the EU enlargement depends entirely on Europe’s good will. “Bulgaria’s friends do not support the formula 10+2,” he underlined. Erler, who is also chairman of the German-Bulgarian forum, thanked President Stoyanov for his contribution to developing the relations between the two countries. At his meeting with President-elect on the first day of his visit Erler was assured of Bulgaria’s NATO and EU’ orientation. He also said that President-elect Parvanov is expected to visit Berlin before November. Foreign Minister Passy expressed the hope that Germany will help Bulgaria accomplish its foreign policy priorities.

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