Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria's foreign minister Ivaylo Kalfin paid this week a six-day working visit to the US, which included stops in Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. During his trip he met with US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Undersecretary of Defence Eric Edelman and Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt.
Ludmil Kardzhilov from Darik News talked to Minister Kalfin*
Q: Could you tell us what is the main requirement Bulgaria has to meet, in order for the visa regime with the US to be abolished?
A: There are a few requirements. One is related to technical issues, such as the introduction of passports containing biometric characteristics. We are to begin issuing such passports in the second half of the year. Bulgaria also needs to start submitting information about the people travelling to the United States, in order to improve coordination in cases of extradition. One of the most important requirements is the percentage of rejected visa applications. The threshold was 3% but with the new decision of the Congress, it became 10% for countries like Bulgaria. Still, the number of reject visas is higher than this threshold. There are many issues we must work on, including the requirement that the US develops an electronic system connecting the embassy in Sofia to institutions in Washington. Generally, we are working on all technical issues.
Q: Mr. Kalfin, what will be the future of the Bulgarian companies that want to work in Iraq?
A: The topic was discussed on the meeting I had with Undersecretary of Defence Eric Edelman and Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, who deals with the relations in the financial sector in Iraq. I was assured that the US would do the necessary so that Bulgarian companies have access to information about project bids and what opportunities there are now in Iraq. I was also promised cooperation in establishing relations with donor countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, who have projects, in which Bulgarian companies may take part. We also discussed the difficulties for the business in Iraq. The country has high incomes from oil but there are problems in the correct and regular organisation of project bids. I was assured that the US will do everything possible, so Bulgarian companies participate in different projects in Iraq.
Q: Talking about Iraq, we cannot miss Afghanistan. What are the results of your discussions over the issue?
A: In my opinion, Bulgaria and the US think alike in relation to the political situation in Afghanistan. The yesterday's discussion confirmed this. Everything possible must be done for the success of the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Failure of the mission would stimulate terrorism all over the world. The participation of Bulgaria in the mission is highly praised by the United States. We currently have about 420 people there and we have donated 500 tons of military equipment. The programmes for training of Afghani police officers, specialists, and army forces in Bulgaria continue. Our work is highly acclaimed by our partners.
Q: What were you and your partners discussing in relation to the Kosovo issue?
A: The US position on the issue has been known for a long time and it is for working towards a future independence of Kosovo. At the same time the US did a lot for resolving the issue, taking into account the position of the European Union, while a new format of the talks was introduced by the "troika" of negotiators. Bulgaria's position over Kosovo is actively looked for. I want to remind you that during last year's visit of president Bush to Sofia, Kosovo was one of the main issues discussed at his meeting with the Bulgarian president. Bush said that he had come to hear the Bulgarian opinion and take it in mind.
That is exactly what happened. During my visit, possible future development of Kosova was also discussed. Unfortunately, there is no basis for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina over the future status of Kosovo and at the same time stability in the region must be kept. It is obvious that we must work for a permanent solution of this serious problem. There is no good decision if the parties cannot reach an agreement but everything possible must be done to avoid negative consequences. At the meeting in Washington, Condoleeza Rice and I expressed our regret for the recent anti-European attitudes of the Belgrade institutions. I think that this cannot be in the interest of the Serbian people.
Q: After speaking with Condoleezza Rice over the issue, what do you think will happen to Kosovo and when?
A: We did not discuss when Kosovo would declare independence but talked more about the relations between Kosovo and Belgrade. We agreed that the Ahtisaari plan for Kosovo is the best solution at the present moment. It is important that Kosovo institutions show engagement and coordinate every step with the international community.
Q: If Kosovo declares independence tomorrow, what would be the reaction of the Bulgarian government?
A: I hope that Kosovo would not declare independence tomorrow. During my visit in Kosovo on December 27, I had the impression that the institutions in the region are actually trying to co-ordinate every detail with the international community. The process is not over yet. There are also unfinished processes related to providing security and keeping standards we insist on, such as protection of the rights of minorities. The international community must be able to directly observe and control what is happening in Kosovo. We must wait.
* Translated by Alexander Markov, Sofia News Agency
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