BULGARIA SUPPORTS UNSCR 1701, MINISTER TO ATTEND

C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 001205 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, NEA, PM E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/25/2011 TAGS: PREL EAID MOPS MARR IR LE SY SW BU SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS UNSCR 1701, MINISTER TO ATTEND STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE REF: A. STATE 136196 ¶B. STATE 139903 Classified By: Acting DCM Brad Freden, for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) We delivered reftel A & B talking points to Margarita Isaeva from the MFA's Near East and Africa Directorate on August 25. Isaeva was unaware of any planned delegations to or from Iran or Syria, and considered them unlikely for the foreseeable future. However, she promised to share our concerns with colleagues from other ministries and to notify us if any such events were planned. Isaeva assured us of Bulgaria's strong support for UNSCR 1701 and the need for UN member states to respect their obligations thereunder. ¶2. (U) On the issue of the Stockholm Donors Conference, Isaeva confirmed that Bulgaria will be represented at the ministerial level -- likely by Foreign Minister Kalfin, though his availability has not yet been confirmed. Bulgaria has committed to contribute 100,000 euro of humanitarian supplies and has not announced a cash contribution. No additional Bulgarian pledges are anticipated at the conference itself. KARAGIANNIS