During your mandate Bulgaria became a NATO member. How do you assess the country's participation in the structures of the Atlantic Alliance?
I think Bulgaria is winning recognition as a reliable and earnest ally in NATO. This assessment was confirmed by President Bush, by the NATO Secretary General, by a number of Member State leaders in conversation with me. I think this evaluation is deserved in view of the efforts we are exerting for the building up of a modern, mobile, professional Bulgarian army. As you know, Bulgaria maintains one of the highest military budgets as a percentage of the GDP. This enables the organization and modernization of the armed forces.

I think this evaluation is deserved also because of the contribution of our country to NATO operations in various spots in the world, in view of the commitments our country undertakes in the hot Western Balkans, Caucasus and the Black Sea region. Bulgaria brought into the Alliance its proven ability to create ethnic peace, tolerance and guarantees for the coexistence of different ethnicities and religions. With its experience in this area, with its expertise, its knowledge of the history and mentality of the nations in South East Europe and the Black Sea region, with its stabilizing and neighborly policy Bulgaria is conducive to the achievement of the prime goals and tasks of NATO.

At the same time, we still have a lot of work to do to establish ourselves as a worthy ally. NATO membership and world developments pose before us even higher goals and tasks. That is, stepping up the reform in the Bulgarian army, enhancing the capability of the armed forces for participation in the Alliance engagements, more active political dialogue and transformation of NATO. In other words, the greater security Bulgaria doubtlessly received by joining the Alliance means taking greater obligations and responsibilities.

Bulgarian military units are part of the peace-keeping mission in Afghanistan. Recently our soldiers came back from Iraq but Bulgaria will continue contributing to the stabilization of that country. What are the prospects in this line?
The Bulgarian soldiers and officers accomplished their mission in Iraq with dignity and honor. I am sure in the same way will be fulfilled the tasks in Afghanistan, where Bulgaria is to assume the security of the international airport in Kabul this summer.

I seize the opportunity to state again: the Republic of Bulgaria will remain a solid part of the anti-terror coalition. We ought to have a political, economic and humanitarian presence in Iraq. As the main war with extremism and terrorism is fought there. The concrete forms of our presence are in the process of coordination with our partners from the multinational forces and the Iraqi government.

Bulgaria has earned well-deserved prestige with its participation and its position in various UN initiatives. How do you see in future the Bulgarian contribution to the peace-making mission of the world organization?
In spite of the blows it suffered in recent years, the United Nations remains the most authoritative global organization with universally recognized responsibilities in the area of international security, peace and development. We must admit, however, that today the world organization is at a crossroads. In order to meet the new challenges and risks, the UN has to be capable of radically enhancing its efficiency, of reforming and improving the methods of work of its primary organs. UN should be adequate to the new global realities. I consider this as one of our priorities as a member of the organization.

Besides the fight against terror, against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the fulfillment of the Millennium Goals is becoming a major task for the international community. This means that the Republic of Bulgaria ought to take active part in the global efforts for restriction of famine and poverty, the arresting of the spread of AIDS and mass epidemics, environmental protection, securing broad access to modern education, etc. The efficient combat of these negative phenomena is also a prevention of violence. Because in many cases these phenomena are the seed of tension and conflicts.

As far as the UN peace-making operations are concerned, Bulgaria has participated and will continue to participate in such operations sanctioned by the Security Council.

How would you define Bulgaria's role in South East Europe? Bulgaria enjoys the best and most stable neighborly relations possible. The phrase “Bulgaria as a factor of stability on the Balkans” is acquiring practical dimensions. What is Bulgaria's view on the Euro-Atlantic prospects for all countries in the region?
The enhancement of stability, the development of cooperation in South East Europe, the establishment of the European standards in the relations between the states in the region are priorities of Bulgarian politics. Our relations with our neighbors are at their peak for the last over a century. Bulgaria is among the most active advocates of the “open doors” policy declared by NATO and EU. We are happy that Bulgarian experts are already sharing with their counterparts from Croatia, Macedonia, Albania, etc. their experience gained in our integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. In all my contacts with European leaders I insist on greater attention to the Western Balkans, implementation of the EU Thessalonike Agenda (2003), confirmation of the European prospects of our neighbors. I try to convince my interlocutors that any investment in the economy, social development and the infrastructure of this region is much more effective than investing in peace-keeping operations or overcoming the aftermath of military conflicts.

I would like to express my satisfaction with the EU decision to start negotiations with Turkey and Croatia, and to raise the statute of Macedonia. I believe that the European perspective of our neighbors is an extremely powerful incentive for reforms, democratization, cooperation and understanding in the region.

The issue of Kosovo's statute is becoming a challenge to South East Europe. What is Bulgaria's position on the issue and where will its activity be focused?
Indeed, Kosovo has become a major challenge not only to South East Europe but to the entire international community. A basic point of departure for Bulgaria's position on Kosovo is Resolution 1244 of the EU Security Council.

Bulgaria acclaims and tries to stimulate the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as the internal dialogue between the various communities in Kosovo. Only through negotiations can lasting and mutually acceptable solutions be worked out.

One thing I consider very important is that the future of Kosovo is in Europe. Sooner or later the integration processes should reach it. From this point of view, Bulgaria would acclaim a stronger presence of EU in Kosovo.

How would you define Bulgaria's relations with the USA and Russia?
Our relations with the USA are very good, I would say excellent. During my visit in Washington last October, the strategic partnership between the two countries was confirmed, the community of values and goals; additional opportunities were created for the promotion of economic cooperation and stimulation of the investment process. It is important to note the firm position of the USA and President Bush on Bulgaria's accession to the European Union, and particularly the support for the Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya. I am satisfied also with the American President's appraisal of the state of democracy in our country and the recognition of our stabilizing role in the Balkans.

Of course, a lot more can be done to spur our relations with the USA. There is substantial potential in the economic sphere, in the area of investment, high techs, tourism, and so on. Being technologically and economically the most advanced state, it would be logical the USA to take a leading position among foreign investors in our country. I take the opportunity to express satisfaction with the increased American interest in the Bulgarian power industry, the military industry complex, in setting up production in the territory of Bulgaria. The potential of relations in the spheres of education and science, culture and art is also not exhausted. So, there are many ways we can enhance the strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the USA.

Concerning Russia, the maintenance of active and mutually beneficial relations with it occupies a prominent place in Bulgaria's foreign policy. It is true, there was a period of vacillation and even drop in the level of these relations, but currently the state of the political contacts is the best we have had in the last 15 years. Today our ties are based on equality, mutual benefit, pragmatism, without superfluous emotions or hopes. Suspiciousness was wiped away from our relations and the foundations of an open and meaningful dialogue were laid. Economic cooperation is also enlivened, although it is still below the level of the potential and will of the two countries. The contractual-legal base of our relations was considerably renewed. Intensive cultural exchange is in progress, in the spirit of the best traditions of the relations between the two countries of kindred spirit and language.

You remember that the joint declaration adopted three years ago during the visit of President Vladimir Putin in Bulgaria set forth the landmarks of interaction in the trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Many things were implemented but also many remained “on paper” for some reason or another. I think the major point in the dialogue today is to translate the positive political will into concrete projects, concrete trade and economic solutions. Into solutions conducive to the development of the cultural and scientific exchange, people-to-people contacts.

One of the most intricate foreign-political problems of Bulgaria is the issue of the Bulgarian nurses in Libya. What are your expectations and hopes for a just outcome of the issue? It seems, the year 2006 will be crucial.

You are right, the case of the Bulgarian medics in Libya has become a gravest problem facing all Bulgarian institutions, the Bulgarian society.

I am optimistic about the outcome of the case. I believe in the goodwill of the Libyan state and its desire to seek a just solution of the problem. My hope is also based on the growing involvement and assistance on the part of our partners and allies, of the international organizations, rights champions, public figures and media.

I would like to re-confirm that the Bulgarian society understands the tremendous tragedy with the infected Libyan children. I had a first-hand experience of this tragedy during my visit to Libya last year. I wish success to the NGO organized in Bulgaria, to the efforts of EU and the USA in the noble cause of rendering aid and assistance to the HIV-infected children and their families.

Mr. President, thank you for the interview.