BULGARIA REQUESTS ASSISTANCE IN SETTING UP

C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 001110

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2015
TAGS: PREL IZ BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA REQUESTS ASSISTANCE IN SETTING UP
TEMPORARY EMBASSY IN GREEN ZONE

REF: 04 SOFIA 725

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JAMES PARDEW, FOR REASONS 1.4 (A) AND (D).


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para. 3.


2. (C) Bulgaria's Ambassador designate to Iraq, Col. Valeri
Rachev, requested USG assistance in securing an office in the
Green Zone for a temporary Bulgarian Embassy to Iraq during a
meeting with Ambassador on June 21. Rachev said the GOB
would need to base their diplomatic offices in the Green Zone
until they are able to find a secure location in the
residential area. Bulgaria's previous embassy to Iraq is in
severe disrepair and the GOB cannot use it at present,
according to Rachev. He added that the GOB hopes to
establish itself in Baghdad by early September with USG help.
He told us the Bulgarian Mission will include himself and
five to six staff members along with a security detail.
Rachev did not request any additional assistance from the
U.S., nor did he specify how much space the GOB would need or
mention payments.


3. (C) Post requests Department guidance on the possibility
of assisting Bulgaria with office space within the Green
Zone. If possible, Post also requests a POC in Baghdad for
the Bulgarians to work with on this issue.