Bulgaria and Armenia Key States in Balkans and South Caucasus

An intergovernmental memorandum on cooperation within European integration and Euro-Atlantic structures was signed by Armenia and Bulgaria December 7, 2005. This document offers a wide scope of possibilities for joint work and proves the high level of relations between the two states. This is logical, since out peoples are close to each other. We should exchange experience in state building, since our democracies are very young. The South Caucasus is a mirror image of Balkans while Bulgaria and Armenia are the key states of these regions. Europe's border goes along the South Caucasus. We want the stability and security zone to extend. In my opinion, Turkey's possible EU membership will inevitably raise the Armenian issue. From this standpoint I am glad to witness the consistent development of the European Neighborhood Policy in Armenia and the other South Caucasian states. This policy will yield good fruit in some 10-15 years. I am convinced that after the signing of the Action Plan we should all consider a new European image of Armenia. We also prepare an interparliamentary protocol on cooperation. At that I should mention that its implementation will not depend on the outcomes of elections in either of the states. The project provides for cooperation on a permanent institutional basis. The whole negotiation base will be adapted in view of Bulgaria's joining the European Union. Our state is obliged to do this while the adaptation of bilateral agreements is a useful necessity for Armenia as well within the context of her own European integration policy.

At present the commodity turnover between our countries is not that large. The matter is not that there is no direct communication, but not intensive use of Burgas-Poti-Ilyichevsk-Varna-Burgas ferry. The matter is that the economic ties are subjects of free competition. Copper and molybdenum concentrate forms 90% of Armenian export. If it is present, the turnover reaches about $800 thousand. This means that lorries return from Armenia to Bulgaria idle. Though the matters are getting better lately: for a year Armenian brandy is being sold in Bulgaria, though in small lots. You have good dried fruits, as well as Armenian facing stone will be in demand. Thus, business forums will be convened independently from political visits. Structures as BSECO are very helpful in those cases.

Another thing is that it is becoming increasingly important to politicians and diplomats of both countries to promote development of relations in spiritual life, as well science, culture and education. Deputy Minister of Science and Education of Bulgaria Kircho Atanasov is expected to pay a visit in the end of the month. He will meet with his Armenian counterpart Levon Mkrtchyan, Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik Poghosyan. An intergovernmental Program on cooperation in education and science in 2007-2009 will be signed during the visit. A presentation of the first Armenian-Bulgarian and Bulgarian-Armenian dictionary will be held.

Bulgaria supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We consider that no change of format is necessary in the talks. The most important thing is to prepare publics for peaceful settlement simultaneously with the talks. The work in this direction should be intense. The Council of Europe excludes not only hostilities between the member states but also any propaganda of war. Bulgaria fully supports this position.

The Armenian community of Bulgaria makes some 10 thousand people. They are all Bulgarian citizens. This is the data obtained during the latest census in 2001. As much Armenian citizens having a permanent residence in Bulgaria are engaged in small and middle business mostly. There are 27 Armenian churches in all the cities where Armenians live. I should stress that our churches experience no discrepancies. Besides, there are schools in Plovdiv, Sofia, Bourgas and Varna, where the Armenian language is taught. The Armenian language chair functions in the Sofia University. I am glad that the Armenian community of Bulgaria reveals its best characteristic as a rule.