REQUEST FOR BULGARIA TO BE ADDED TO THE GLOBAL

UNCLAS SOFIA 000697 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y //ADDED TAG KNNP SIPDIS SENSITIVE PASS TO AMBASSADOR BONNIE JENKINS AT STATE AND JOYCE CONNERY AT THE NATIONAL SECURITY STAFF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM KNNP BT SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR BULGARIA TO BE ADDED TO THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT INVITATION LIST REF: SECSTATE 094449 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Embassy Sofia urges the inclusion of Bulgaria to the invitation list for the Global Nuclear Security Summit in Washington planned for April 2010. Bulgaria is an active nuclear power producer and a leading nonproliferation partner in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, a strategically important region. The new center-right GERB government has fully supported the United States on tough proliferation issues such as Iran and North Korea. By including Bulgaria in the Summit, we would bolster Bulgaria's nonproliferation efforts, offer representation from the Balkan region to the forum, and add a strong and like-minded partner to the process. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Bulgaria has produced nuclear power since 1974 and currently operates two reactors, supplying 34 percent of the country's electricity. Bulgaria is actively exploring several new projects aimed at increasing its nuclear generation capacity within the next five to ten years. Moreover, Bulgaria recently signed two grant agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to build a national storage facility for low to medium active nuclear waste. ¶3. (SBU) Bulgaria actively participates in international nonproliferation efforts, and supports U.S. objectives. Along with involvement in many nonproliferation conventions, Bulgaria is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the Proliferation Security Initiative, and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). Bulgaria consistently and publicly supports USG positions on nonproliferation issues, including Iran and North Korea. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Rumiyana Jeleva, in response to the Embassy's request, included a statement against the Iranian nuclear weapons program in her opening speech at the 2009 UN General Assembly. ¶4. (SBU) Bulgaria has been a strong and willing partner in implementing U.S. assistance for counterproliferation , such as enhancing the security of facilities using radiological sources, strengthening controls for preventing the trafficking of any nuclear or radiological materials, and enhancing its nuclear export controls. Furthermore, Bulgaria has successfully repatriated highly-enriched uranium to Russia. ¶5. (SBU) Bulgaria's inclusion in the Summit would resonate very positively in Bulgaria, and would serve as evidence that the U.S. views Eastern Europe as an important security partner, as noted in VP Biden's October 22, 2009 speech. Bulgaria's knowledge, expertise, and political will would add significant value to the Summit, and ensure that the Balkan region is represented in the process. Having a dependable, predictable partner from the region would help achieve the Summit's goals. ¶6. (SBU) Recognizing Bulgaria's importance in the nuclear sector, specifically regarding nonproliferation matters, the Department of Energy (DoE) decided to locate its first regional office in the world in Sofia during August 2009. This message is being sent in cooperation with DoE's Regional Office in Sofia. ¶7. (SBU) If additional information is needed for Bulgaria's inclusion in the Global Nuclear Security Summit, please contact Political Officer Luke Johnson at JohnsonLS@state.gov. SUTTON