News from Bulgaria / Jan 17, 96

From: bulgaria@access1.digex.net (Embassy of Bulgaria)

Bulgarian Telegraph Agency Directory

EMBASSY OF BULGARIA - WASHINGTON D.C.

BTA - BULGARIAN TELEGRAPH AGENCY

BULLETIN OF NEWS FROM BULGARIA

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT ZHELEV LEAVES FOR CROATIA, BOSNIA TOMORROW

In Zagreb Dr Zhelev and President Franjo Tudjman of Croatia are expected to sign a bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The Bulgarian leader is scheduled to confer with the Croatian head of state and with Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa. Dr Zhelev is expected to address the Croatian Parliament and to deliver lectures at the Croatian-Bulgarian Friendship Society and the Jewish House in Croatia. Mr Zhelev, who holds a doctorate in philosophy, will attend in Zagreb a press launch of a local edition of his book "Relational Theory of Personality."

Zagreb was the first ex-Yugoslav capital where Bulgaria opened a diplomatic mission. Bulgaria has had an ambassador to Croatia since 1994. The two countries have signed a trade and economic agreement, an agreement on cooperation in culture, science and education, an agreement on air transport, and a protocol on cooperation between their foreign ministries. Last June Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Pirinski visited Croatia and initialled the bilateral Treaty of Cooperation. According to the President's Foreign Policy Advisor Kamen Velichkov, all this as well as the four meetings between presidents Zhelev and Tudjman at international fora and the Dayton Accords "have largely paved the way for this first official visit to a former Yugoslav republic" [by a Bulgarian head of state].

In Sarajevo, President Zhelev is expected to discuss Bulgaria's participation in the post-war reconstruction of Bosnia. Meetings with President Alija Izetbegovic, Prime Minister Haris Silajdzic and IFOR officials are on the Bulgarian President's schedule in the Bosnian capital.

On his visist to Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Bulgarian head of state will be accompanied by representatives of all parliamentary parties and by Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Hristov.

[02] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ADMITS FOR CONSIDERATION

According to one of the articles of the Constitution, which the President asked to be interpreted, "Everyone shall be entitled to express an opinion or to publicize it through words, written or oral..", "this right shall not be used to the detriment of the rights and reputation of others, or for the incitement of a forcible change of the constitutionally established order, the perpetration of crime, or the incitement of enmity or violence against anyone."

"The press and the other mass information media shall be free and shall not be subjected to censorship. An injunction on or a confiscation of printed matter or another information medium shall be allowed only through an act of the judicial authorities in case of an encroachment on public decency or incitement of a forcible change of the constitutionally established order, the perpetration of crime, or the incitement of enmity or violence against anyone," reads the second article.

According to the third article, "Everyone shall be entitled to seek, obtain and disseminate information. This rights shall not be exercised to the detriment of the rights and reputation of others, or to the detriment of national security, public order, public health and morality."

In his comprehensive petition to the Constitutional Court President Zhelev gives a detailed analysis of the three articles and focuses on the importance to clearly and precisely define the constitutional grounds for restriction of these rights by the state and its officials. The President considers it of equal importance that the state fulfils its obligation and establishes clear rules to be applied on an equal basis to all state-owned and private media in their opening and operation, reads the petition.

The Constitutional Court constituted the following institutions as parties in the case: Parliament, Government, Prosecutor General Ivan Tatarchev, Union of Bulgarian Journalists, Free Speech citizens' association, Bulgarian National Television, National Radio, Bulgarian News Agency and Journalists and Mass Communications Department with the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. The Constitutional Court gives a chance to other media and associations to take a stand on the case.

The issue about freedom of speech drew public response as at the end of last year more than 50 journalists of the National Radio signed a protest declaration claiming there is censorship in the radio. Seven of the protestors were later discharged. These events prompted the establishment of the Free Speech association. Its members discussed the problem of freedom of speech at various meetings, with President Zhelev and National Assembly Chairman Blagovest Sendov included.

[03] INTELLECTUALS BACK PRESIDENT ZHELEV'S BID FOR SECOND TERM

[04] SIMEON II BACK?

Simeon II has been invited to read a lecture before the Atlantic Club. Many politicians and businessmen expect to meet him during a possible visit. More than 500 people have said they would like to be received by him, according to Assen Oshanov, the Madrid-approved coordinator of the visit. Oshanov, 56, is President the Bulgaria Foundation and the Bulgarian Rotary Club. A jurist and economist, he was one of the sponsors of the invitation.

It is not yet known which cities a visit would cover. Simeon II himself would like to go back to Varna, Plovdiv and Bourgas, which are part of his childhood memories.

It is likewise unclear if the visit will take place at all, with the public divided over the ex-king. Simeon II has always said he would return as a unifying figure, rather than a mouthpiece for certain ideas. Monarchists have hailed the possibility of a royal return, but their different groups have tried to reap benefits for themselves, opening rifts in their ranks. As early as a year ago, however, Simeon declared none of these groups expressed his will and intentions. He reacted strongly to a sign-in sponsored by the Kingdom of Bulgaria Federation calling for his return as head of state. At the same time anti-monarchists threatened to stop the king with human chains, if does choose to come back. Politicians were reserved about Simeon II's visit. "I am all for meeting him here, why shouldn't he come back? " the press quoted Parliament Chairman Blagovest Sendov as saying. He intends to host a reception in the guest's honour. Socialist floor leader Krassimir Premyanov said: "The elegant style of his [Simeon II's] letter does not give grounds for hostile comments nor can one read any danger into it." Premyanov said, however, that the visit should take place at a different time when it will not be linked to some politicians' ambition to restore the old regime in violation of the Constitution. Lyuben Gotsev, one of the leaders of the opposition Union of Democratic Forces, also doubts that the visit is well-timed.

This is a private visit and should not be politicized, the King's press office in Sofia said. Simeon II said the visit should take place between May and September. The royal family was forced to leave Bulgaria 50 years ago this September 16.

The royal couple may stay with friends. Invitations from monarchists are not lacking.

Two members of the royal family have already revisited Bulgaria. Princess Marie-Louise came back twice, in May 1991 and in August 1993. On the second occasion she accompanied Queen Ioanna, the Queen Mother, who attended memorial services marking King Boris III's 50th death anniversary.

Simeon II's possible return has aroused emotions ever since 1990 when the press commented extensively on in what capacity the exiled king would return to Bulgaria. A proposal to hold a referendum on the form of government, believed to have been sponsored by Bulgarian Social Democratic Party leader Peter Dertliev, heated disputes further. Then several scores of MPs proposed to declare invalid the referendum of 1946 which proclaimed Bulgaria a republic. The Grand National Assembly decided to hold a national referendum on the form of government only to repeal its decision after several days under the pressure of jurists who believed it to be legally untenable. The jurists cited the fact that the Constitution which had already been passed on first reading set the form of government in this country.

Simeon II himself said that a parliamentary monarchy would be the most appropriate form of government for Bulgaria. Later, however, he specified that he does not want a referendum but a parliamentary decision for his return to this country. "My return to Bulgaria depends solely on the will of my fellow countrymen. If they wish to live in a parliamentary republic, as a Bulgarian national I will accept this," Simeon II said in 1992. The exiled king has been enjoying a high approval rating for years. He is invariably among the first of the top ten most popular personalities. Asked how Simeon II should return to Bulgaria, 22% of the respondents to a sociological poll published recently in a mainstream daily, said "as king", 28% "as an ordinary Bulgarian citizen", 25% "as a politician" and 12% "as tourist". 55% of the respondents said they were for a republican form of government and 31% for a monarchy.

[05] MEETINGS OF OUTGOING US AMBASSADOR MONTGOMERY

Videnov and Montgomery expressed satisfaction with their joint work and confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation. They stressed the fact that the Dayton peace agreement offered to the two countries a chance for further cooperation. The two of them were unanimous that Bulgaria and the United States will make efforts for the success of the highly responsible mission to reconstruct and develop the Balkans, says a Council of Ministers press release.

With its constructive role at the time of the Yugoconflict and its observation of the Yugoembargo Bulgaria proved its right to participate in the reconstruction of former Yugoslavia, Montgomery said. He expressed his confidence that Bulgaria will give its contribution to the implementation of the peace agreement.

Videnov and Montgomery highly assessed the stability and predictability of bilateral relations. Their positive development in the future is largely guaranteed by the proximity of the two countries' stands on the Yugoconflict, the two of them noted.

The two of them expressed the shared opinion that constructive cooperation of the Balkan countries and building up of modern infrastructure in the Balkans will play a major role for the economic development and political stabilization of the region. These are some of the guarantees for the peaceful future of the region, according to the press release.

Videnov and Montgomery stressed on the prospects to activate bilateral economic contact and attract foreign investments to Bulgaria. The tendencies in respect with the Government's performance in the initial stage of mass privatization are fully positive and inspire confidence in the successful implementation of the Government privatization program, Montgomery said.

William Montgomery thanked the Bulgarian Government for the high order that was conferred on him. Ten days ago he was awarded with the Order of the Balkan Range Class I for his contribution to the promotion of Bulgarian-US relations.

Today William Montgomery gave a farewell news conference. "Our foremost goal is to help the process of transition to democracy and free market economy. That is the best way to insure stability in the region," he said answering a journalist's question about the philosophy of the US policy in the Balkans.

Asked about the challenges in the region, Montgomery drew a parallel with Germany and France which after World War II put behind their areas of conflict. "This is the biggest challenge you and the other countries in the region face - to break down barriers between you so that in fact borders become less important," the US diplomat said.

Montgomery said he was sorry that he failed to fulfil many of his objectives here. "I am very sorry that I was not able to attract more American investments in Bulgaria, but this proved very difficult," he stated.

[06] NEWS CONFERENCES OF B.S.P., OF OPPOSITON FORCES

The participants in today's regular meeting of the BSP Executive Bureau considered the two ministers' resignations and the actions that should be taken to cope with the situation; yesterday the issue was considered at a meeting of BSP and its coalition partners - the Alexander Stamboliiski Bulgarian Agrarian National Union (Alexander Stamboliiski BANU) and the Eco-Glasnost Political Club, Yanaki Stoilov said.

"At both meetings the opinion prevailed that the ministerial nominations should be considered from the point of view of the activities of the respective areas of responsibility and the tasks they have got to cope with. Each party should assume responsibility by expressing its own stand; conditions should be created for the formation of teams capable to manage the two areas," Stoilov said.

"The cabinet crisis provoked by the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) works to the advantage of the opposition whose immediate goal is destabilizing and toppling the Government of the BSP and its coalition partners," UDF leader Ivan Kostov told a news conference after the meeting of the UDF National Coordinating Council.

T"he UDF will investigate the reasons for the grain crisis which, according to the opposition, was caused by the Government; it will look into the Topenergy scandal too, Kostov said. According to him, the Bulgarian-Russian gas company Topenergy is actually dominated by the Russian side. "Through a fault of the Government, part of Bulgaria's telecommunications are also in the hands of foreigners," Kostov said. "All the national interests appear to have already been sold out," the opposition leader said.

Yanaki Soilov stated that the Democratic Left (the BSP-led coalition) would meet its commitment and make a a detailed analysis of the performance of its Government by the end of Ferbuary. "Only then the BSP and its coalition partners can decide whether to make some structural and personnel changes in the Cabinet," Stoilov said.

"The UDF will publish an analysis of the performance of the Democratic Left Government in two days; the analysis was approved in principle at today's meeting," Ivan Kostov told journalists. The UDF will follow carefully mass privatization because - according to the official stand the UDF leadership adopted today - this will not be real denationalization. "Circles and groups which are close to the BSP may take unfair advantage under the cover of this way of privatization," the UDF leader added.

The UDF leadership will hold an extraordinary meeting on January 30 to make up the agenda and adopt the rules of procedure of the national conference scheduled for March 23-24. The conference will determine the way of nominating the UDF presidential candidate. The Bulgarian presidential election will be held at the end of 1996 or the beginning of 1997.

The leaders of the Popular Union, a coalition of the Bulgarian Agrarian National Union (BANU) and the Democratic Party, said that the cabinet changes were cosmetic and described them as an attempt to evade responsibility for the grain crisis. "The grain problem is part of the Government's antisocial policy which robbed the Bulgarians by a new rise in bread prices and taxes," BANU Chief Secretary Anastasia Moser said. According to her, the culprits for for the crisis are not the ministers Tsochev and Chichibaba, but those who dictate the Government policy from 20 Positano Street [the BSP headquarters] and Prime Minister Zhan Videnov.

"It is rumoured that the BSP does not want to give the Ministry of Agriculture to its coalition partners of the the Alexander Stamboliiski BANU," Moser said.

"There is a crisis in Cabinet and it needs a thorough shakeup," Alexander Pramatarski, Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party, told journalists today. According to him, the primary concern of the BSP and Prime Minister Zhan Videnov should be to fight deep-going corruption, especially in the Interior Ministry structures. Interior Minister Lyubomir Nachev should resign in the nearest future, Pramatarski said.

[07] BUSINESS PRESS

The BNB suspended leva refinancing of commercial banks. According to "Standart News", the suspension will be in force at least till the end of this week. Its purpose is to restrict the leva resources of the banks and stop them buying dollars which will temporarily curb the appreciation of the US currency, this daily explains.

The National Electricity Company (NEC) is planning to invest 14,500 million leva in 1996. Most of the investment 6,000 million, will go to heightening nuclear and radiation safety at the Kozlodoui N-plant.

The press reports of the decision of the general meeting of shareholders of the International Bank for Investment and Development to reduce the Board of Directors. Vladimir Penkov and Luis Staple, the last representative of the US share in this institution in the Board of Directors, were relieved of their posts, "Standart News" writes. At present the bank has a capital of 500 million leva which it is planning to increase to 800 million by the end of January. In 1995 the bank posted a profit of 100 million leva, according to "Douma".

The Mesopromishlenost meat packing company in Varna is on the verge of bankruptcy, the "Pari" financial daily writes. The company cannot service its enormous debts to banks and farmers in the region. Its bad debts, some of which are in foreign currency, exceed the company's market estimate of 1992, this daily writes.

Fifteen foreign companies have been nominated for the Investor of the Year Award, "Douma" writes. "Rover", "Shell", "Caramil" and "Vidima Ideal" stand the greatest chances of winning, according to this daily. The winner will be chosen by experts of all leading ministries and the award will be presented on February 5.

The "Agriculture" Fund will have 7,000 million leva in 1996, "Zemya" writes citing a source of the Agriculture Ministry. This figure was estimated taking into account the inflation rate and the needs of agricultural producers. Possibilities are being discussed for part of these funds to be extended to farmers for the hire-purchase of equipment. Most of farm producers lack the funds for buying equipment, this daily writes.

[08] NEARLY 70 PER CENT OF ARABLE LAND IN BULGARIA