Sir
WITH reference to an article in your current edition (The Sofia Echo, Double Dutch in Bulgaria by Koos Schouten, April 1 - 7), I would like to disagree with the following statement:
"No business visas for Brits, this is an absolute must, not only because they are not giving any to the Bulgarians, but also since many Brits are setting up bogus limited companies here to buy properties with land and have no intention to trade with these companies."
For a start, "Brits" don't need a business visa for Bulgaria, next, any foreigner buying property with land has to set up a company, not only the Brits. Finally, all the companies being set up are 100 per cent legal, and registered correctly. Annual tax returns are submitted and any taxes due are paid. The fact that the company is not actively trading is irrelevant. They are paying taxes to the government during the set up and at the end of each financial year. It is not possible to buy anything with a "bogus" company.
Maybe your reporter should check his facts more thoroughly in future?

Regards,
Andrew Willis

Incensed by Schouten

HAVING just read the articles by a David Clark and Koos Schouten (The Sofia Echo, April 1 - 7, pages 12 & 18), I find that I am incensed by the remarks by Schouten. He is pontificating from a sinking ship. I understand that he failed in the acquisition of a lucrative contract and consequently now seeks to vilify a race of foreigners who he holds to blame.
My times in this country have all been positive and even if I have problems waiting in the queue to come in, I do not think that this is a great price to pay for the company of the normal friendly and hospitable Bulgarian people.
I agree that us expats should present a positive attitude, if you don't like it here - get out!
As an internet specialist, I took a look at how Schouten drives his website up the internet ratings list, he does it by including filth, sex and terrorism words in his meta text...
Are these the actions of a rational man?

dank
Kaas van der Meurve

Sir
IT would seem to me that what is required is the recognition of the need for constructive criticism/observation about Bulgaria rather than complaints. There is no doubt that with the coming of EU membership and the subsequent increase in the influx of foreign nationals there will be a need to address a number of issues if the accession is to be successful.

Yours faithfully,
Peter Knight
Varna