Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SOFIA1063
2006-08-01 06:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Sofia
Cable title:  

BULGARIA SUPPORTS U.S. POSITION ON HLD; REQUESTS

Tags:  EAID PREF SMIG UNGA BU 
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VZCZCXRO6524
RR RUEHAST
DE RUEHSF #1063 2130645
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 010645Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY SOFIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2298
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SOFIA 001063 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF SMIG UNGA BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS U.S. POSITION ON HLD; REQUESTS
VOTE FOR ECOSOC

REF: SECSTATE 122513

UNCLAS SOFIA 001063

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF SMIG UNGA BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS U.S. POSITION ON HLD; REQUESTS
VOTE FOR ECOSOC

REF: SECSTATE 122513


1. (U) Summary: We delivered reftel demarche to Mr. Kamen
Velichkov of the MFA,s Department of UN and Global Issues on
July 28. He said the GOB sees no need for a permanent forum
on migration and that migration issues are best discussed in
regional fora. He also requested USG support for Bulgaria's
candidacy to the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
End summary.


2. (U) Velichkov said the government's position is in line
with the EU in addressing migration issues on the regional
level, and highlighted Bulgaria's special position as both a
candidate EU member and a sender-state. He noted that for
Bulgaria, migration is directly tied to economic growth,
development, and security, and mentioned the government's new
push to establish closer ties with Bulgarian expatriates.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently told Bulgarian
Ambassadors that migration issues are a priority. Bulgaria
sees no need for new mandates.


3. (U) The GOB will be represented at the High Level
Dialogue by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Emilia
Maslarova.


4. (SBU) Velichkov requested USG support for Bulgaria's
election to ECOSOC, where Bulgaria, Romania, and Belarus are
vying for two regional seats. The GOB wants to reinvigorate
and reform ECOSOC, and return it to its proper role as a
venue for economic and social issues. If elected, Bulgaria
would seek and likely receive a seat on the Peace-Building
Commission. He highlighted that Bulgaria is far more
democratic than Belarus and that a vote of support would mean
support for the community of democracies.


5. (SBU) Velichkov said Bulgaria has the votes to win, but
asked the USG to assist its lobbying efforts - if possible -
and pass this request to countries where Bulgaria does not
have representation. In particular, he asked the message to
be conveyed to the Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands,
Micronesia, Nauru, Tonga, Dominican Republic, Bahamas,
Antigua and Barbuda, Brunei, Bhutan, St. Kitts and Nevis, and
Grenadines. We agreed to relay the request to Washington.

Beyrle