BULGARIA: PRESIDENT STRESSES CONTINUITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 000410 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/26/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV BU SUBJECT: BULGARIA: PRESIDENT STRESSES CONTINUITY Classified By: Ambassador Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: In a farewell call with the Ambassador, President Parvanov assured that Bulgaria's new government would keep the country on a Trans-Atlantic trajectory. Bulgaria will uphold its commitments in Afghanistan, while the President himself will increase outreach to Central Asian energy producers to further EU and U.S. European energy security objectives. Despite misgivings about the prospects for incoming Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's minority government, Parvanov pledged support for the new administration's plans to improve the country's record on rule of law. End Summary. NO CHANGE IN FOREIGN POLICY; RULE OF LAW TOPS AGENDA AT HOME -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) President Parvanov said that despite a change in government, the office of the President would remain a dependable influence on foreign policy. New Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had also assured the President that Bulgaria would remain on a pro-west path, despite the tacit support of the anti-west Ataka party for Borissov's minority government. Parvanov expressed concern over the increasing radicalization of Bulgarian politics, as evidenced by the growth of support for parties such as Ataka and the relatively unknown Justice, Law and Order Party. The Ambassador asserted that support for such parties would continue to grow until Bulgaria could get at the root causes of their popularity, including economic inequality and lack of progress on rule of law. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador predicted the public would give the new government four to six months to produce initial results in its fight against organized crime and corruption. The focus should be on prosecuting cases related to the embezzlement of EU funds. This would improve Bulgaria's standing within the EU, get needed funds flowing again, and stop the stream of negative press about Bulgaria in the international media. She listed the areas where the U.S. government was prepared to assist, including with mentoring and training of prosecutors and judges. Parvanov committed his support, stating "we'll do anything to repair our image." Security Partnership; Energy Outreach -------------- ¶4. (C) The Ambassador reminded the President of commitments he had made on Afghanistan at the April NATO Summit, noting that the second Bulgarian OMLT was a considerable contribution but Bulgarian approval for a promised Role 2 medical facility was outstanding. The Ambassador added the United States is considering the outgoing Defense Minister's offer to provide MI-17 helicopters for Afghanistan. Parvanov said Bulgaria would fulfill its commitments and welcomed the news that the United States is considering ways to use the U.S.-Bulgarian joint training facilities to train allied and partner troops headed for Afghanistan. ¶5. (C) On energy, Parvanov said he would continue his personal outreach to Central Asian suppliers. In late August he will welcome Turkmen President Berdymukhammedov and a large Turkmen delegation to Sofia and the Black Sea coast. At the top of the agenda will be securing gas for Europe generally and Bulgaria specifically and the EU's strategy for Central Asia. Parvanov said he was trying to convince the Azeri President to make a similar trip before the end of the year. Parvanov agreed the July signing of the Nabucco IGA was an important step for that project, but he urged greater U.S. engagement to help untie what he called the "Armenia-Turkey-Azerbaijan knot." ¶6. (SBU) At the close of the meeting in an official ceremony, Parvanov presented the Ambassador with the "Stara Planina First Degree," the highest honor of the Bulgarian state. McEldowney