American Jewish Committee Discusses Democratic Reforms And Nato Expansion With Bulgarian Foreign Minister

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 25 June 1997

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Mihailova told an American Jewish Committee delegation that her country was committed to democracy, open markets and enhanced security in Europe. In that respect, Ms. Mihailova stressed that Bulgarian integration into NATO would increase stability in the region, as Bulgaria was the only former Warsaw Pact nation to border two NATO members. The Foreign Minister said that Bulgaria's government and parliament were clearly focused on economic and political priorities that would ensure the Balkan nation's transformation into an open market and western-oriented democracy.

American Jewish Committee Executive Director David A. Harris commended the bold and determined steps that Bulgaria has taken to solidify democracy in the country and noted the special efforts Bulgaria made to protect its Jewish citizens during World War II, as well as the excellent relationship that Bulgaria has now developed with Israel. The American Jewish Committee recognizes the importance of those ties, Mr. Harris also emphasized the need to restrict relations with states that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy and to monitor closely weapons and technology exports, whether from the state or private sector. Deputy Foreign Minister Stefen Tatrou, who also attended the meeting, assured the AJC delegation that the matter of effective export controls was very high on his government's agenda.

Mr. Harris said that NATO expansion is both "wise and necessary" for the enhanced security of Europe, but added that the American Jewish Committee has not yet taken a formal position on the specific desires of individual countries to become members.

The June 18th meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mihailova was part of a growing AJC dialogue with that country since the collapse of the Soviet bloc and, more broadly, the Committee's unparalleled efforts with nations around the world to help advance democracy and human rights, to support relations with Israel, and to focus attention on the growing dangers posed by rogue nations seeking non-conventional weapons and supporting international terrorism.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org