KOZLODUY-PARLIAMENT-GOVERNMENT.
BTA
Ministers of Foreign Affairs, European Policy and Energy Explain to MPs Rationale of Government Decision on Kozloduy.
Sofia, September 26 (BTA) - "We want to check and prove that Unit 3 and 4 of Kozloduy are safe and this is why the Government will take a formal decision Thursday to invite EU experts for a new check of the plant," Foreign Minister Solomon Passy said at the opening of Parliament session on Thursday.
Passy was in Parliament together with European Policy Minister Meglena Kouneva and Energy Minister Milko Kovachev to explain to the MPs the motives for the government's decision to request a new technical inspection at Kozloduy.
Passy said that "Bulgaria does not fear such inspections" and called the check "a credible guaranty" and "a quality certificate". He added that they "want to put an end to the political wheeling and dealing on the matter".
The Foreign Minister praised President Georgi Purvanov for his response and said that "he once again took a nationally responsible position and supported the idea as its co-author".
Journalists also approached Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to comment the President's remark Wednesday that the Government made concessions with its decision on Kozloduy, but he would not make any comments.
Parliament dismissed a motion by socialist MPs to give the Prime Minister a hearing on the negotiations on the Energy Chapter of the acquis.
Taking the floor, Energy Minister Milko Kovachev asked the MPs to support the position of the Government on Unit 3 and 4 and to authorize it to go to negotiations.
"This wording is the product of the work of many experts in the field of the nuclear energy industry, of your own work and your support for the legislative initiatives of the Government," Kovachev said.
The results of a check by the International Atomic Energy Agency last July showed that all technical problems with the safety of Kozloduy had been eliminated. "This must be translated into a political conclusion and a deep understanding shared by all EU partners, and for this reason a new check is necessary," said Kovachev.
According to the Energy Minister, Bulgaria "has reasons not to fear political pressure over technical decisions". "We do not fear accepting any date and proving with technical arguments that ours is the right position," he said.
Kovachev explained to the press later that the government decision both "responds to the EU position" and defends the actual technical condition of the Kozloduy plant by moving the issue from the political to the technical level.
European Policy Minister Kouneva told Parliament that the national interests about Unit 3 and 4 "are protected and finally, on the basis of mutual respect, Bulgaria will get the technical inspection of the reactors it needs".
Having solicited the support of the parliamentary groups of the ruling Simeon II National Movement (SNM) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the three government ministers came to Parliament to share the responsibility, Kouneva said. She voiced hope that the opposition will not oppose what she described as "a win-win formula for Bulgaria".
Kouneva further told the MPs that if it does not close the negotiations on the technical chapters, including Energy, Bulgaria will not be able to open talks on the financial chapters.
She recalled that the initial position Bulgaria submitted in October 2001, repeated the text of the 1999 memorandum. In response to that position, the 15 member states and the European Commission insisted to keep 2006 as the deadline for the closure of Unit 3 and 4 of Kozloduy. Bulgaria went to talks in a bid to change its initial position but it is impossible to convince all 15 countries, some of which are vehement opponents of nuclear energy, they should change their stand, Kouneva said. "This is why the efforts were focused on providing grounds for a change of the partners' position through a technical inspection."
SNM deputy floor leader Vesselin Bliznakov said that the ruling majority assumes a political commitment to convince the European partners of the safety of the Bulgarian nuclear power plant. "The Bulgarian society must be aware that something new has happened: we are saving the Kozloduy N-plant, when we talk about Unit 3 and 4," said he.
According to Bliznakov, the government has made a clear diplomatic breakthrough. "The dilemma was keep the Kozloduy units or enter the EU," he said.
The deputy leader of the centre-right United Democratic Forces, Dimiter Abadjiev, said that the 1999 Memorandum was "an expression of common understanding" by the European Commission and Bulgaria rather than "an agreement of any legal consequence". "This document allowed Bulgaria to defend its position and never for moment did Bulgaria accept the position of the European Commission for closing down Unit 3 and 4."
Roumen Ovcharov of the socialists' Coalition for Bulgaria said that the Bulgarian position, "which is now extremely strong", needs principled defence.
"For the first time there is a resolution of the European Parliament for negotiations with the Bulgarian Government, for the first time an IAEA mission has said that the [Bulgarian] N-plant operates by European standards," he said. He ended his speech with a question, "What is that working group that will verify the safety [of Kozloduy], who has authorized it and what standards will be used in the check?".
NUCLEAR PLANT.
BTA
New Formula for Nuclear Reactors 3, 4 Incorporated into Bulgaria's Position for EU Membership Talks.
Sofia, September 26 (BTA) - The Government-proposed formula for the decommissioning of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is now incorporated into the country's position for the EU membership negotiations on the Energy chapter, European Affairs Minister Meglena Kouneva and Energy Minister Milko Kovachev told the press Thursday.
Earlier in the day, the Council of Ministers approved additional information supplementing the national position on the Energy chapter.
Bulgaria accepts the fixing of the year 2006 in the Energy chapter as the date for closure of Units 3 and 4 on condition that the Atomic Questions Group (AQG) with the Council of the European Union conducts a technological check and the results are taken into consideration. In accordance with this formula, the Government proposes that the Energy chapter be closed conditionally and then reopened upon completion of the expert check, when it will be possible to review the closure dates for the two reactors.
If the AQG fails to conduct the technological review of the safety of Units 3 and 4, requested by Bulgaria, the Energy chapter will not be closed, Energy Minister Kovachev said, taking a question. "We would not mind fixing any date for the closure of Units 3 and 4, provided that we receive guarantees that such a technological check will be conducted and that the results from the check will be taken into account," Kovachev said.
According to Kouneva, "the Government would not have assumed the risk involved in putting forward the new formula if the circumstances had not been studied in advance." The European Affairs Minister said there is actually no risk in demanding a technological check because she has full confidence in the Energy Ministry's view concerning the safety of the two reactors.
"We are now beginning intensive consultations, and I hope that our efforts will yield results within the period of the Danish presidency of the EU," Kouneva said.
Asked whether a "contingency scenario" has been considered in the event of refusal to conduct a technological check, Kouneva said it is now important to focus all efforts on the course of action proposed by the Government. "It is too early to talk about Plan B. Let us be more optimistic," she said.
Asked whether Bulgaria may be requested to review its positions on Units 1 and 2, Kovachev said "this issue has been settled definitively and Bulgaria will honour all its commitments to the EU concerning their closure."
In its next report on Bulgaria's progress towards EU membership, the European Commission is expected to acknowledge that Bulgaria has made very significant progress in the energy sector, Kouneva said.
BULGARIA-PORTUGAL.
BTA
Bulgaria, Portugal Sign Employment Agreement.
Sofia, September 26 (BTA) - Bulgarian Labour Minister Lidia Shouleva and Portuguese Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Services Maria do Rosario Mayoral Machado Ventura signed Thursday an intergovernmental agreement on reciprocal employment of labour.
The Secretary of State for Trade is on the delegation accompanying Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio on his official visit here.
The two sides negotiated the provisions of the intergovernmental agreement at expert level in Sofia in February.
The agreement is effective for five years and will be extended automatically for a further one year.
The provisions of the agreement apply to Bulgarian and Portuguese citizens with permanent residence in their own country, who want to work on the territory of the other country under an individual contract with an employer from the receiving country. People employed under the agreement will have the same rights and obligations as the local employees, including equal protection with regard to the implementation of the laws for safety at work, or individual and property rights.
Portugal's president supports Bulgaria's bid to join NATO and EU.
AP
SOFIA, Bulgaria - Portugal's president on Thursday praised this Balkan country's efforts to join the European Union and NATO.
"Democratic Bulgaria is very close now to NATO membership," Jorge Sampaio told reporters after meeting his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Parvanov.
Parvanov and Sampaio also discussed the volatile situation in Iraq and stressed that any solution should be based on U.N. resolutions.
"As chairman of the U.N. Security Council, Bulgaria will contribute for finding a reasonable and efficient solution that is backed by a large number of countries," Parvanov said.
During Sampaio's visit, officials signed an agreement that aims to limit illegal migration by granting labor rights only to foreigners hired under a special agreement.
Before wrapping up his first official visit to Bulgaria on Friday, Sampaio is set to address Bulgarian legislators, attend a meeting of Bulgarian and Portuguese businessmen and briefly visit the country's second biggest city, Plovdiv.
BLACK SEA-ECONOMIC-COOPERATION.
BTA
Sofia, September 26 (BTA) - Sofia will host the 20th session of the committee of legal and political matters of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation October 9-10, said the parliamentary press office Thursday.
The official opening is October 9 at the Boyana Residence.
The Bulgarian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation is headed by Borislav Ralchev.
The committee is expected to adopt a declaration on the 10th anniversary of the Parliamentary Assembly and to elect a new chairman.
PM-TURKEY-VISIT.
BTA
PM Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Pay First Official Visit to Turkey.
Sofia, September 26 (BTA) - Talks with Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is the first event on the schedule of Bulgaria's Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha during his first official visit to Turkey due from October 3 through 6, 2002.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister is also expected to meet Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Turkish Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi, the Government's Press Office told BTA.
On October 4 Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and his wife, Margarita Gomes Asebo, will visit Cappadocia.
On the following day the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet the Oecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul and representatives of the Bulgarian community there. A meeting with representatives of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) is also envisaged.
The delegation of Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg-Gotha will include Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Petkov, Parliamentary Budgetary and Finance Committee Chairman Ivan Iskrov, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Hasan Hasan and Deputy Minister of Energy and Energy Resources Angel Minev.
Drivers To Spy on NMS MPs.
Standartnews
They make reports to the Chief Secretary of the National Assembly on every meeting of the MPs.
The drivers of parliamentary cars were obliged to spy on NMS MPs a week ago. The notorious news was revealed to "Standart" by affected MPs. From Thursday last on, all drivers on the pay-roll have to make reports after the end of the working day. The reports should contain the hourly movement and destinations of the MPs. "We are asked to write in details about every single ply during the day which we took on MPs' orders", complained to "Standart" a driver who requested anonymity. MPs from the NMS said in no uncertain terms that this measure offended their inviolability. Most of the NMS MPs are sure that the order was issued by the National Assembly Chief Secretary Ognian Avramov. In all probability, it was the floor leader of the NMS PG Plamen Panayotov, taking care to have the situation in the PG under control, who advised Avramov to take this step. Neither Avramov, nor the director of the parliamentary garage were available for comments.
GENERAL MOTORS - BULGARIA.
BTA
Detroit, September 26 (BTA) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Nikolai Vassilev invited General Motors officials to visit Bulgaria and see its investment climate, the press office of the Economy Ministry told BTA.
On Thursday Vassilev conferred with GM Chief Economist and Investment Policy Director Mustafa Mohatarem. The Bulgarian official spoke about the economic situation in Bulgaria, the country's investment climate, low level of corruption, the stable GDP growth and the reforms of the government's tax policy. Vassilev singled out energy generation, machine building and high technologies as the priority sectors of development in the cabinet's economic policy.
As the main advantage of attracting foreign investors like GM Vassilev noted the absence of customs duties for exports of industrial goods for the bulk of European countries. The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister said that measures will be taken in Bulgaria to limit the import of used cars. He said that if his country starts to produce cars, sales of vehicles will grow fivefold.
Later on Thursday Vassilev will deliver a lecture and confer with businessmen. He will attend a meeting organized by the American Jewish Organization.
BALKANS-LAW-FORUM.
BTA
Sofia, September 26 (BTA) - The rule of law in a country is a prerequisite for successful economic development and a guarantee for foreign investment, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha said Thursday at the opening of a Balkan law forum.
The event is organized by the Foundation for Legal Development and brought together participants of 24 countries.
The Prime Minister said that the main purpose of the legal reform in Bulgaria is to introduce the European standards, which will help the country's accession to the EU.
"Our country needs strong judicial administration staffed with competent people and using modern information systems," said he.
Asked whether there will be personnel changes in the prosecution, the Prime Minister said that "the judicial system is not people but institutions" and that when changes are made they should be made to last long and not only a day or two.
Asked to comment a remark by the President of the US Committee on NATO Bruce Jackson that constitutional and personnel changes are needed in the prosecution, the Prime Minister said "it was his right to say that" and "I appreciate any opinion".
An address by National Assembly Chairman Ognyan Gerdjikov was read at the forum. Defence Minister Nikolai Svinarov too greeted the participants.
In his report at the forum, Justice Minister Anton Stankov said that the rule of law guarantees rights that are essential to the sovereignty and right of a country to decide independently its own future. He also dwelled on the general principles of international law and the role of lawyers.
He said that the judiciary has a major role to play in safeguarding the rule of law and spoke of the importance of having a working structure and clear rules for the work of law courts, the prosecution, the investigation, the Supreme Judicial Council and the Justice Minister.
According to Stankov, a priority in the programme for implementation of the strategy for reforming the judicial system, is improving the qualification of lawyers and the competence and independence of magistrates.
Stability Pact Special Coordinator Erhard Busek is expected to give a speech at the forum later on Thursday.
Nude Stewardesses Defend 'Balkan'
Standartnews
Belcho Tzanev
The most beautiful employees of the air company pose for 'Playboy'
Stewardesses from 'Balkan' Airlines will try to save the Bulgarian national carrier showing their bare breasts. The girls are to pose nude for the November issue of 'Playboy', 'Standart' learnt. The test photos are ready and the photo sessions will take place from September 28 to September 30 The catchline is 'Let's Save Balkan'. The pictures will be taken in one of the two hired Boeings 737-500. According to reliable sources, the idea about a nude female "landing force" from 'Balkan' was brought up when the first BG 'Playboy' issue was published. Airline's receivers Olga Milenkova and Hristo Mollov approved it.
CSKA To Erect Monument to Hristo Stoichkov.
Standartnews
Ivo Tassev
Momchil Lelyov
The head-coach Mladenov and his players raise funds for the statue to the "Dagger"
A monument to Hristo Stoichkov is to be erected at the "Bulgarian Army" stadium, revealed head-coach of the "Reds" Stoycho Mladenov yesterday. "This idea originated 2 years ago. I have raised some money and with the help of the team we'll erect the statue to Hristo Stoichkov. He is one of the symbols of our team", Mladenov said at the ceremony.
