Cablegate: Bulgaria Wants to Consult with Eu Before Commiting

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SOFIA 001683

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, SCOTT BRANDON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO ECON PREL SOCI BG KSTH WHO
SUBJECT: BULGARIA WANTS TO CONSULT WITH EU BEFORE COMMITING
TO AVIAN FLU PARTNERSHIP

REF: A) STATE 175585

B) STATE 180478

1. (SBU) Pol/Econ Off and Agricultural attache delivered the
talking points regarding the International Partnership on
Avian Influenza and upcoming Senior Officials meeting to the
Ministry of Health and Agriculture Ministry respectively.
Dr. Angal Kunchev, the head epidemiologist at MOH, and
Radosveta Filipova, the Ministry's chief expert on
communicable disease control, were receptive to the idea of
Bulgaria's joining the Partnership. However, Filipova said
the GOB would have to consult with their representatives in
the European Union before Bulgaria could decide on its
official position. The GOB would like to compare similar EU
initiatives on Avian Flu and identify any differences or
conflicts. In light of this, Filipova politely declined the
invitation to attend the Senior Officials meeting on October
6 and 7.

2. (SBU) Zheko Baichev, Bulgaria's chief veterinarian
responsible for animal health at the Agriculture Ministry,
also expressed interest in the Partnership. Baichev
commented that Ministry officials would like to review the
Partnership documents further and will not be sending a
representative to the Senior Officials meeting.

3. (U) Per reftel B Post requests that Department extend
invitation to Bulgarian Embassy in Washington.

BEYRLE

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