BULGARIA: PRESIDENT TO STAY ENGAGED ON BULGARIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 001032

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2015
TAGS: PREL PHUM LY BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA: PRESIDENT TO STAY ENGAGED ON BULGARIAN
MEDICS

REF: SOFIA 963

Classified By: AMB. JAMES PARDEW FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (C) SUMMARY: President Purvanov met Ambassador on June 8
to discuss his recent trip to Libya to pursue the release of
the Bulgarian medics. Purvanov said Qadhafi recognizes the
seriousness of the problem of the medics, would like to find
a solution, but does not seem to have a plan. He thanked the
U.S. for the personal support of President Bush and the
Secretary and asked that international pressure continue to

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be applied to Libya. Purvanov said he would keep up the
momentum on this issue while other Bulgarian politicians are
occupied with the current political campaign. He promised to
coordinate his actions, saying there must be one-hundred
percent continuity regardless of the changes that may occur
in the election. END SUMMARY


2. (C) Purvanov acknowledged the risky nature of his trip to
Libya, but felt it was useful to obtain first-hand
information and keep alive the bilateral dialogue with Libya
on behalf of the medics. He said Col. Qadhafi was aware of
the gravity of the problem and eager to find a solution,
although Purvanov thought Qadhafi lacked a clear vision and
plan for solving the problem. Qadhafi is at the same time
worried about massive international pressure on behalf of the
medics, and the sentiment in Benghazi - home to the infected
children - against his regime, Purvanov said.


3. (C) Qadhafi tried to involve Bulgaria in direct
negotiations with the association of parents of the infected
children. Purvanov made it clear to Qadhafi that the
Bulgarian government cannot negotiate directly with the
parents - especially regarding payment. This would be
tantamount to admitting guilt, said the President. The GOB
must work directly with the Libyan government or Qadhafi.
However, Purvanov said he understands the need to make a
gesture to the parents due to the gravity of the situation.


4. (C) Purvanov intends to work on an action plan to include
medications, medical care, equipment, etc. One of the
mothers told Purvanov that the GOL could only afford
pain-killers for the children. Bulgaria is prepared to make
a modest contribution individually, but will direct the bulk
of its donations through the multilateral umbrella. Purvanov
said he agreed with the U.S. view that indirect donations are
preferable to direct gifts. He mentioned Bulgaria would like
to raise funds through large companies or NGOs for supplies
or to send patients abroad for treatment.


5. (C) Purvanov said that, surprisingly, Qadhafi was more
moderate on his views towards the medics' trial than his
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The latter tried to
push Bulgaria towards the Sharia law and to negotiate
directly with the parents. Purvanov said Qadhafi made no
anti-American remarks except in his general comments against
the West.


6. (C) COMMENT: Purvanov's risky visit to Libya may have
bought the GOB - and the medics - some time, through the
delayed court decision in Benghazi. However, the next
government will quickly have to pick up the pace and lead
discussions directly with the Libyans, as well as coordinate
multilateral efforts. Purvanov seems to be pressing his
Presidential authority into an area usually led by the
government. However, during the current election cycle,
there is a vacuum on this issue that the popular and
pragmatic president feels obliged to fill. END COMMENT


7. (U) Minimize considered.