US embassy cable - 05SOFIA1032

C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 001032 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PHUM, LY, BU 
SUBJECT: BULGARIA: PRESIDENT TO STAY ENGAGED ON BULGARIAN 
MEDICS 
 
REF: SOFIA 963 
 
Classified By: AMB. JAMES PARDEW FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) 
 
1. (C) SUMMARY: President Purvanov met Ambassador on June 8 
to discuss his recent trip to Libya to pursue the release of 
the Bulgarian medics.  Purvanov said Qadhafi recognizes the 
seriousness of the problem of the medics, would like to find 
a solution, but does not seem to have a plan.  He thanked the 
U.S. for the personal support of President Bush and the 
Secretary and asked that international pressure continue to 
 
SIPDIS 
be applied to Libya.  Purvanov said he would keep up the 
momentum on this issue while other Bulgarian politicians are 
occupied with the current political campaign.  He promised to 
coordinate his actions, saying there must be one-hundred 
percent continuity regardless of the changes that may occur 
in the election.  END SUMMARY 
 
2.  (C) Purvanov acknowledged the risky nature of his trip to 
Libya, but felt it was useful to obtain first-hand 
information and keep alive the bilateral dialogue with Libya 
on behalf of the medics.  He said Col. Qadhafi was aware of 
the gravity of the problem and eager to find a solution, 
although Purvanov thought Qadhafi lacked a clear vision and 
plan for solving the problem.  Qadhafi is at the same time 
worried about massive international pressure on behalf of the 
medics, and the sentiment in Benghazi - home to the infected 
children - against his regime, Purvanov said. 
 
3.  (C) Qadhafi tried to involve Bulgaria in direct 
negotiations with the association of parents of the infected 
children.  Purvanov made it clear to Qadhafi that the 
Bulgarian government cannot negotiate directly with the 
parents - especially regarding payment.  This would be 
tantamount to admitting guilt, said the President.  The GOB 
must work directly with the Libyan government or Qadhafi. 
However, Purvanov said he understands the need to make a 
gesture to the parents due to the gravity of the situation. 
 
4.  (C) Purvanov intends to work on an action plan to include 
medications, medical care, equipment, etc.  One of the 
mothers told Purvanov that the GOL could only afford 
pain-killers for the children.  Bulgaria is prepared to make 
a modest contribution individually, but will direct the bulk 
of its donations through the multilateral umbrella.  Purvanov 
said he agreed with the U.S. view that indirect donations are 
preferable to direct gifts.  He mentioned Bulgaria would like 
to raise funds through large companies or NGOs for supplies 
or to send patients abroad for treatment. 
 
5.  (C) Purvanov said that, surprisingly, Qadhafi was more 
moderate on his views towards the medics' trial than his 
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.  The latter tried to 
push Bulgaria towards the Sharia law and to negotiate 
directly with the parents.  Purvanov said Qadhafi made no 
anti-American remarks except in his general comments against 
the West. 
 
6.  (C) COMMENT:  Purvanov's risky visit to Libya may have 
bought the GOB - and the medics - some time, through the 
delayed court decision in Benghazi.  However, the next 
government will quickly have to pick up the pace and lead 
discussions directly with the Libyans, as well as coordinate 
multilateral efforts.  Purvanov seems to be pressing his 
Presidential authority into an area usually led by the 
government.  However, during the current election cycle, 
there is a vacuum on this issue that the popular and 
pragmatic president feels obliged to fill. END COMMENT 
 
7.  (U) Minimize considered.