Rumen Petkov is Bulgaria's Interior Minister. He was invited at an urgent meeting with Libya's leader Muammar Qaddafi together with other participants in the EU-Africa Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development, held in Libya. Earlier in the day Minister Rumen Petkov met the five Bulgarian nurses, who have been jailed for seven years already in a lingering AIDS trial.
He was approached by Darik Radio to comment his visit in Libya.

Nina Alexandrova from Darik News talked to Rumen Petkov. *

Q: What was this sudden meeting about?

A: The invitation was sent to all delegation leaders and it was a pleasant surprise. The visit was not initially in the program. At the meeting Quadaffi put forward his view on the very heavy issue with migration. No particular topics were discussed with any specific leader.

Q: You met earlier with the five Bulgarian nurses there. Did they ask you for something?

A: My mission was to bring the nurses some more confidence and safety. They very much appreciate what Bulgaria does for them. I was very excited to see them in a perfect psychical condition. These women are our dear fellow countrypersons and they are traumatized from their eight years of imprisonment. The state uses all its resources to secure their return home. I am really happy we parted with smile and with the wish our next meeting to be in Bulgaria.

Q: Do you think their death sentences will be confirmed on December 19?

A: We must in no way be overhasty in drawing conclusions. We must wait to see what will happen. All comments now would, as a whole, be harmful to the nurses' future.

Q: Do you expect a different sentence for every one of the five medics?

A: I cannot answer this question. Their fate is now in the hand of the Libya court. My impression is that both countries want a sensible and balanced decision that will allow further development of the traditionally good relations between the two countries. The decision also must be one that would help bring indemnification to Libyan citizens and their families.

Q: Will the nurses come back to Bulgaria by the end of 2006?

A: I cannot give any time limit, but I do hope they will be home for the New Year's Eve.

* Translated by Lora Petrova, Sofia News Agency

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