BULGARIA: POTUS LETTER TO NEW PRIME MINSTER

UNCLAS SOFIA 000378 SIPDIS FOR NSC KATHERINE HELGERSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL BU SUBJECT: BULGARIA: POTUS LETTER TO NEW PRIME MINSTER ¶1. (SBU) Post recommends a letter of congratulations from President Obama to current Sofia mayor Boyko Borissov, expected to become Prime Minister shortly. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has already sent a letter and European Commission President Manuel Barosso and other leaders have issued congratulatory statements. Mr. Borissov's party, "Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria" (GERB) -- a pro-US, pro-NATO/EU, center right party -- won the July 5 general election by a wide margin over the current Socialist-led government. Vowing to make Bulgaria a "new country," Borissov has promised to combat corruption, fight organized crime and improve relations with the U.S. and the EU. ¶2. (SBU) Bulgarian President Parvanov announced he would convene the new parliament on July 14, and will likely present GERB with the mandate to form a government that same day. Post recommends a letter of congratulations before that date, if possible, so we can present it to him as soon as he takes office. A suggested text is included below. ¶3. (SBU) Draft Text: Dear Mr. Prime Minister, Congratulations on your electoral victory. As you assemble your cabinet and shape your government's strategic agenda, I want to underscore the commitment of the United States to the enduring partnership between our two countries. As NATO allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic community, we share an unwavering commitment to mutual defense and regional security. As democratic societies, we both cherish human rights and rule of law. And as market economies that are mutually interdependent, we have a common interest in promoting trade and investment that creates jobs and improves the lives of our citizens. I look forward to meeting you and to working together closely to achieve our common goals. On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish you great success. McEldowney