Schröder Praises Bulgaria's Progress
August 14, 2004
Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's whirlwind trip to Bulgaria generated massive media interest, with attention focused on the importance of the talks on economic relations between Berlin and Sofia. Following his meeting with Prime Minister Simeon Saxcoburggotski, Schröder once again confirmed Germany's support of Bulgaria's application for EU membership.
"I congratulate Bulgaria on the conclusion of the accession negotiations. It is a clear promise of membership," Schröder told reporters at a press conference in Sofia.
He liberally praised Bulgaria's reform dynamics under the present government and expressed his hope that the EU summit in the fall would officially confirm the end of negotiations, thus enabling Bulgaria to sign an accession treaty in spring 2005.
But Schröder's talks with Saxcoburggotski also turned to Iraq, where Bulgaria has deployed 480 troops. "The security situation in Iraq must be a concern for everyone," Schröder said at the news conference. "Instability in Iraq is instability that affects the whole, region and beyond."
The German chancellor also declared his support for five Bulgarian nurses who have been sentenced to death in Libya for allegedly infected children with HIV. He said he had spoken to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi about the case and "made it very clear that we want a humanitarian solution to this problem."
Working together
Germany and Bulgaria are particularly keen to cooperate on infrastructure, energy and military projects. Schröder described the contract between DaimlerChrysler and the Bulgarian army for the supply of 13,000 new vehicles at a total cost of €300 million ($369 million) as a transfer of technology and German support for Bulgarian development. Two-thirds of the component parts used in the construction of the vehicles will come from local companies.
Schröder told Deutsche Welle he had not spoken about Germany's endeavor to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. But he said he was confident Bulgaria would back Berlin's efforts.