Foreign Minister SOLOMON PASSI answers questions from The Sofia Echo Editor-in-Chief CLIVE LEVIEV-SAWYER



Bulgaria and the OSCE



Q: Do you feel that the OSCE has a sufficiently distinctive role in comparison to other multilateral organisations such as the EU and NATO, and are you satisfied with the degree of progress made in the debate on reform of the OSCE during the Bulgarian Chairmanship?

The OSCE is still the most inclusive security organisation in the Northern hemisphere. It remains the organisation with the most comprehensive concept of security, a concept comprising not solely the politico-military, but also the economic-environmental and the human dimensions. The perception that only such an approach can be efficient in terms of meeting contemporary security challenges, has won general acceptance following the emergence of new threats, particularly terrorism. Neither the European Union nor NATO can provide the comprehensive security needed by the OSCE region at present times.

The new realities in Europe and in the world lead to the necessity of an adequate response by the OSCE. I believe that promotion of the OSCE transformation process is an indispensable condition for the efficacy of such a response. The proposals we have made for transforming the organisation are on the table. However, they do not aim to change the basic nature of the OSCE and the debate on them is progressing at a reasonable pace. The Bulgarian Chairmanship of the OSCE will aim at reaching a consensus among the participating States on the transformation issues, so that the Twelfth Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will take place in Sofia on December 6 and 7, 2004, could open vistas to proceed further along this track.



Q: Do the concerns about the OSCE expressed by the CIS bloc represent a real threat to the future integrity of the OSCE, or can the issue be resolved, and if so how?

The concern about the state of affairs in the OSCE, expressed by CIS countries, shows a high level of attention and interest in the OSCE, therefore it deserves an in-depth exchange of views. If the considerations of these countries are not taken into account, they might gradually lose interest in the OSCE. That is why our proposals for transformation of the OSCE, such as shifting some of the OSCE forums to Central Asia and Southern Caucasus, provide the countries in question with tangible incentives to be more active and interested in the organisation.

Bulgaria and the EU



Q: The European Commission report noted that Bulgaria has been an active player in international peacekeeping and crisis management measures, including EU, UN and OSCE missions and actions. Is there, however, some idea of prioritising in which such missions Bulgaria will take part, given the country's limited resources?

It is perfectly understandable and natural that crisis management operations (activities) within and close to Europe are of paramount importance to us. Among them, I would further underscore those in the Western Balkans. By contributing to the stabilisation of our neighbours, Bulgaria promotes the European perspective in this part of our continent. Respectively, Bulgaria has consistently taken part in all operations in this region. We are now in preparation for the EU operation "Althea" in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is to replace SFOR.



Q: The same report is very positive about Bulgaria's achievements in aligning its foreign and security policy to that of the EU. How much work remains to be done in this sphere, and over what timeframe do you think it will be completed?

Bulgaria's foreign and security policy is completely in line with that of the European Union. The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) chapter was one of the first negotiation chapters, closed in June 2000. Bulgaria's foreign policy is in full compliance with the EU common positions and joint actions, adopted within the CFSP framework. Our legislation is being systematically harmonised with the relevant European acquis.

Bulgaria is effectively fulfilling its obligations in this field and is committed to persist in doing so. Inevitably, there will be fine-tuning and adjustments as we go along, be it with regards to legislation or administrative capacity.

Following the very positive assessment of our achievements by the European Commission, we are looking forward to our direct participation in the formulation of the CFSP and its implementation. Initially as an acceding country with active observer status, as of the signing of the Accession treaty in the spring of 2005. And then as a Member-State following our accession to the EU in January 2007.

Bulgaria and the UN



Q: There is a continuing international debate on reform of the United Nations Security Council. What is your perspective on this debate and do you envisage it being resolved in the near future?

The reform of the UN Security Council is a key element of the overall reform of the United Nations, which has been continuously supported by Bulgaria. In my statement during the General Debate of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly last September, I declared the unconditional support of my country for the enhancement of the effectiveness in the work of the main bodies of the United Nations, including the Security Council. Bulgaria shares the common will of all member states, as declared at the Millennium Summit, to bring the reform of the United Nations to a successful end as soon as possible. Moreover, due to the fact that next year we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations and let us hope that we will also be able to congratulate ourselves with the adoption of these very needed reforms.



Q: How do you see Bulgaria continuing the role it established for itself during its temporary membership of the UNSC as a successful intermediary among various blocs and interest within the UN?

Throughout the Bulgarian 2002-2003 UN Security Council membership, Bulgaria worked actively for the unity of the Council and for reaching consensus decisions. These efforts were based on our understanding that such a consensus is the most effective way for ensuring implementation of the Security Council's resolutions. Currently, Bulgaria is using the experience it has earned as non-permanent member of the Security Council, for successfully carrying out its mandate as Chairman-in-office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2004.



Bulgaria and

the United States



Q: Bulgaria is enjoying relations with the US that are at a historically good level. Do you see this country being able to play a role in resolving the differences of opinion that exist between Washington and some European countries on some issues?

Bulgarian - American relations enjoy their best period so far and have the best prospects for the future. In recent years, Bulgaria proved to be a loyal and staunch ally to the US, which was further deepened with our full-fledged NATO membership. We are also a country that follows the EU requirements and will become a member of the EU in 2007. These two trends represent our main foreign policy priorities. In this respect Bulgaria follows and will follow a policy that will preserve the transatlantic relation, since the close co-operation between the United States and Europe is crucial for international peace and security.



Q: Presumably, you are watching the Bush-Kerry presidential contest. In the event of a Kerry victory, do you think there would be any change in US priorities regarding Central and Eastern Europe?

I have been following closely the Bush-Kerry debate and I think that both candidates present sound as well as reasonable arguments for dealing with serious international issues and in terms of preserving the international security. I am not inclined to think that if Senator Kerry wins the elections, there will be a significant change in US priorities regarding Central and Eastern Europe. Both Americans and Europeans want to live in a safer and secure world. Consequently, I believe that whoever wins the presidential elections, will pay special attention to working closely with European countries, aiming to improve the transatlantic relations.



The Bulgarian medics in Libya



Q: How confident are you that the strategies and tactics being pursued by Bulgaria to free the Bulgarian medics in Libya will succeed?

That is a very good question. We believe that the strategies and tactics we are pursuing are the right ones. Despite the heavy sentences, handed down by the Benghazi court on May 6, 2004, we are still optimistic that when it comes to the re-examination of the evidence, the Supreme Court may conclude that justice be served by the early release of the Bulgarian medics and the Palestinian doctor. Let me remind you that the whole international community is now aware of the evidence provided by world renowned professors as to the innocence of the defendants. We believe that this will be taken into serious consideration by the Supreme Court when the time comes for a decision to be made.



Q: Specifically, how do you respond to those who have criticised Bulgaria's "quiet diplomacy" on this matter as an inappropriate choice?

As to some critics of the "quiet diplomacy", I only have one thing to say: diplomacy is always quiet. There cannot be any alternative to that. There was a period when the approach in dealing with the case was the one of strong language and loud statements, which proved to be ineffective, even counterproductive. Let us not forget that the scale of the tragedy in Benghazi is not to be ignored and the Libyan authorities also need some time to tackle the consequences.

During the past few months, Libya succeeded in dramatically improving its relations with the international community and especially with the USA and the EU. We believe that the rapprochement between Libya and USA on one hand, and Libya and the EU on the other, will create further opportunities for constructive dialogue in various areas, including human rights, which will will eventually lead to a positive resolution of this issue.



Religious and ethnic

tolerance, and xenophobia



Q: You have done much to keep problems of intolerance such as anti-Semitism on the agenda, including through the medium of the OSCE. At the same time, reports such as that by the US State Department on religious freedoms say that anti-Semitism is a worsening problem in Europe. Do you agree that anti-Semitism is a growing problem in Europe and what do you see as the best course of action against it?

Further, xenophobia and concerns about legal and illegal migration are increasingly shaping the politics of some Western European countries. Won't this prove a threat to the integrity of the EU in the future?

And further, the US State Department on religious freedom also said that the embassy had been in dialogue with Bulgaria on questions of religious freedom in the country, including difficulties encountered by religious minorities. How do you respond to these concerns?

The Bulgarian OSCE Chairmanship is aware of all aspects of intolerance and xenophobia in the OSCE area, and is following them closely. We are sparing no effort in terms of enhancing multilateral dialogue, envisaging the development and successful implementation of mechanisms to fight intolerance and xenophobia. In that respect, a new dimension of the OSCE transformation is emerging, and we believe that the organisation has the potential to serve as an adequate bridge towards tolerance and as an even larger forum for further discussions. Specific attention has to be given to the legitimate concerns of the Muslim population in the OSCE area, with respect to the necessity of confronting another fast emerging negative phenomenon, namely anti-Arab sentiments and Islamophobic behaviour.



Expatriate Bulgarians and Immigration



Q: In your travels as Foreign Minister, have you encountered many expatriate Bulgarians? What questions and concerns have they raised with you about the country, and do you encourage them to return to the country?

Since 1989 many Bulgarians, primarily young people, have been seeking a better future abroad. Some of them have found it - to a certain extent owing to the efforts of the Bulgarian state on a bilateral basis, and in accordance with international law and European standards. Quite often throughout my visits abroad, I meet with representatives of the Bulgarian Diaspora and the conclusion I have been able to draw so far is that the concerns of expatriate Bulgarians vary significantly depending on their profession, way of life and the country they reside in. We have never stopped caring nor have we spared efforts in terms of simply being there for any expatriate Bulgarian in need. Moreover, ever since I took the helm of the Bulgarian diplomacy, I have kept as a high priority item on the agenda the well being of all Bulgarians abroad, while on the other hand I believe that Bulgaria does need its people and they will soon start coming back.



Q: Do you agree that Bulgaria may need a new immigration policy to attract skilled and healthy immigrants to boost the country's economic and population growth rates, and what chance do you think there is of such a policy coming about?

With every passing year, Bulgaria presents visibly more favourable conditions for both business and personal prosperity. Most importantly, Bulgaria has never closed its doors to the Bulgarian emigrants. At the same time, the experience they have acquired abroad could significantly contribute to the overall development of their home country. However, we should not neglect any human being's right of free will and choice in the first place, which stands for one of the fundamental principles of democracy. Bulgaria, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in particular, persist in preserving and supporting the culture and the spirit of the Bulgarian Diaspora and I avail myself of this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the Bulgarian cultural, educational, religious and other centres abroad which have been actively contributing in this respect.