The translation of the motives that the court in Tripoli used to confirm the death sentences of the five Bulgarian nurses charged with intentional HIV infection in Libya was ready.

Lawyers already had copies of the translated versions and were working on the final appeal of the sentences before Libya's Supreme Court, Justice Minister Georgi Petkanov told BGNES news agency.

Petkanov refused discussing the motives.

Bulgaria had to become more actively involved in the trial, said Petkanov. As part of this strategy it requested the visit to Libya of Deputy Justice Minister Margrit Ganev, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

Ganev has not received Libya's permission for the visit so far, said Petkanov. An answer could be expected by Monday, January 8, Petkanov said.

Apart from a meeting with the nurses, Ganev was expected to discuss the trial with their lawyers. He is also to talk to officials from Libya's justice ministry.