US Defiant over Bulgaria's Special Services Advisor

[Judi Lynn]

US Defiant over Bulgaria's Special Services Advisor


Top news: 29 September 2003, Monday.
The United States of America is unlikely to change its position on the invitation PM Saxe-Coburg extended to lieutenant general (ret) Brigo Asparuhov to take the post of special services advisor. This was announced by US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Pardew days after Bulgarian dailies cited him as saying that the decision for Asparuhov's appointment can potentially hurt Bulgaria's prestige.

US Ambassador Pardew recommended that the Bulgarian Government discuss the decision of Asparuhov's appointment with the rest of NATO partners.

Ambassador Pardew declined to comment the US stand, saying the message was clear enough and there is nothing more to add. He underlined that this is a decision that Bulgaria must take and expressed confidence that the country will take the right decision.

A day after the news broke Bruce Jackson, President of the US Committee on NATO Enlargement, said that Washington officials were stunned and worried by the news. Jackson described the development as a step back for Bulgaria and hinted that the appointment might be viewed as an outright insult by Washington. (snip/...)

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