Sofia, 19 December 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Bulgaria's parliament declared support today for the government's consideration of permitting U.S. and NATO military bases in the country. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Pasi said the decision ends a long-lasting debate and sends a clear signal that the country's foreign policy is reliable.
"The decision puts an end to an almost five-year-old debate over the stationing of U.S. bases in Bulgaria and it comes as a result of the consensus in the Bulgarian society and Parliament after the 11 September attacks," Pasi said.
U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Douglas Feith began consultations last month with Bulgaria and Romania on locating bases on the two nation's territories.
"The decision puts an end to an almost five-year-old debate over the stationing of U.S. bases in Bulgaria and it comes as a result of the consensus in the Bulgarian society and Parliament after the 11 September attacks," Pasi said.
U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Douglas Feith began consultations last month with Bulgaria and Romania on locating bases on the two nation's territories.