BULGARIAN REACTION TO IRAQ'S CONSTITUTIONAL

UNCLAS SOFIA 001866 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO KDEM IZ BU SUBJECT: BULGARIAN REACTION TO IRAQ'S CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM REF: SECSTATE 199224 ¶1. Deputy Chief of Mission delivered reftel talking points to Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, October ¶28. The Ministry referred him to the text posted on October 27th on their website. ¶2. Begin text posted on Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website. "The Republic of Bulgaria congratulates the Iraqi people for the successful referendum on Iraq,s new Constitution. The active participation of the Iraqi people in this historic event proves that the country is moving in the direction that they desire. October 15th, 2005, will remain in Iraq,s history as the day on which Iraq,s citizens declared categorically their readiness to determine their country,s destiny and their will to participate in building a democratic, independent, modern, law-abiding state. We believe that the Iraqi people, helped by the international efforts, in which Bulgaria participates, will succeed in realizing their goals in the near future. Republic of Bulgaria and its citizens will always support the friendly nations, efforts for a better future, well-being and prosperity." End text ¶3. This is the only statement issued by Bulgarian authorities about the referendum. BEYRLE