11 February 1998
(Calls working session with Clinton highlight of visit) (500) By Rick Marshall USIA Staff Writer Washington -- The "highlight of my visit" to Washington was a "genuine working session" with President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov said at a February 11 press conference at the National Press Club. The meeting resulted in the announcement of a new U.S.-Bulgarian Partnership, a fact which Stoyanov said he found particularly pleasing. He also expressed pleasure that the United States welcomed Bulgaria's continuing efforts to qualify for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. According to the Joint Statement the White House released yesterday, "President Clinton reaffirmed America's commitment to NATO's 'Open Door' policy and welcomed Bulgaria's aspiration to NATO membership. The two presidents agreed that Bulgaria's engagement in the Partnership for Peace, enhanced dialogue with NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council were key tools to making Bulgaria the strongest possible candidate for NATO membership." The Joint Statement also referred to a U.S. Action Plan for Southeast Europe, which, it said, is to "give further dynamism to U.S. cooperation with countries of the region in such areas a promoting peaceful resolution of disputes, combating organizing crime and consolidating democratic and economic reforms." These are very clear, practical steps, Stoyanov said, contrasting them, to the amusement of the audience, to the grandiose and empty statements which characterized Bulgarian policy during the 45 years his country was under Communist government. Stoyanov began his remarks at the National Press Club by citing public approval for the economic reform, democratization, and crackdown on corruption that his administration began upon taking office just over a year ago. "We are aware that we are at the beginning" of a long process, he said. "We are convinced that we are on the right path." Asked several questions about NATO, Stoyanov said that the Bulgarian people see the Alliance as organization which not only addresses security issues but encompasses a system of values, including democracy, the free market, human rights, and the rule of law. "We know what our homework is," he said. Bulgaria has demonstrated that its institutions are stable and that democracy is "sustainable." By contrast, the economic and military reforms necessary for membership in the European Union and NATO, will require more time, he acknowledged. Asked how Bulgaria's hopes to join the Alliance are affecting its relations with Russia, Stoyanov said: "Our wish to join NATO is by no means an act of defiance to anyone, least of all, Russia." Moreover, he added, joining NATO "will make our relations with Russia much clearer." Stoyanov also vigorously defended his administration's efforts to end the illegal production of CDs and CD-ROMs, saying that he had raised the matter with President Clinton yesterday. The Bulgarian government "is absolutely committed to cracking down" on this process, he said, pointing to the changes in the criminal code and the introduction of very strict regulations respecting intellectual property rights.