BULGARIA: SPECIAL 301 ANNOUNCEMENT RESPONSE

UNCLAS SOFIA 000210 SIPDIS STATE PLEASE PASS TO USTR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD KIPR BU SUBJECT: BULGARIA: SPECIAL 301 ANNOUNCEMENT RESPONSE REF: STATE 42893 ¶1. (SBU) The Bulgarian Government responded with relief to reftel announcement that Bulgaria would not be placed on any list in the 2009 Special 301 Report. Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Culture all said they knew Bulgaria had narrowly avoided a listing and expressed appreciation for Washington's acknowledgment of steps recently taken to improve coordination between the government and IPR industry representatives. They also acknowledged that much more needed to be done. Deputy Minister of Economy Yavor Kuyumdzhiev stated that the government would continue to move forward on a new IPR workplan drawn up with the help of industry representatives. Some in the government trumpeted the news, prompting biting criticism and commentary about the scope of the problem and the government's chest-thumping. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: In a May 7 press conference, Deputy Minister Kuyumdzhiev candidly admitted to reporters that Bulgaria had narrowly avoided being placed on the 301 List. He also noted that there is much work ahead to improve the country's IPR regime. Unfortunately, much of this work will likely have to wait until a new government is installed after July 5 national elections. IPR will figure prominently on the "to do" list our Mission hands over to the new government this summer. McEldowney