US embassy cable - 05SOFIA1683

UNCLAS SOFIA 001683 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, SCOTT BRANDON 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: TBIO, ECON, PREL, SOCI, BG, KSTH, WHO, Avian Flu 
SUBJECT:  BULGARIA WANTS TO CONSULT WITH EU BEFORE COMMITING 
TO AVIAN FLU PARTNERSHIP 
 
REF:  A) STATE 175585 
 
      B) STATE 180478 
 
1. (SBU) Pol/Econ Off and Agricultural attache delivered the 
talking points regarding the International Partnership on 
Avian Influenza and upcoming Senior Officials meeting to the 
Ministry of Health and Agriculture Ministry respectively. 
Dr. Angal Kunchev, the head epidemiologist at MOH, and 
Radosveta Filipova, the Ministry's chief expert on 
communicable disease control, were receptive to the idea of 
Bulgaria's joining the Partnership.  However, Filipova said 
the GOB would have to consult with their representatives in 
the European Union before Bulgaria could decide on its 
official position.  The GOB would like to compare similar EU 
initiatives on Avian Flu and identify any differences or 
conflicts.  In light of this, Filipova politely declined the 
invitation to attend the Senior Officials meeting on October 
6 and 7. 
 
2.  (SBU) Zheko Baichev, Bulgaria's chief veterinarian 
responsible for animal health at the Agriculture Ministry, 
also expressed interest in the Partnership.  Baichev 
commented that Ministry officials would like to review the 
Partnership documents further and will not be sending a 
representative to the Senior Officials meeting. 
 
3. (U) Per reftel B Post requests that Department extend 
invitation to Bulgarian Embassy in Washington. 
 
BEYRLE