Opinion
Bulgarian
English
A
A
A
text sizeFriendship with USA Won't Spoil Bulgarian-Russian Relations
Velizar Shalamanov
Military Expert
The official reason for US president George Bush's tour in Europe is the G8 summit, but the choice of the countries and the succession of his visits carry a message about Central and Eastern Europe's importance to the American policy both in the sphere of security and in the economic cooperation between Europe and America.
Bulgaria turned to be one of the most successful countries in Southeastern Europe. It became a member of NATO and the EU, it proved to be a staunch ally, its partners put their trust in it. And when there is trust new perspectives open - projects which will guarantee maximum security to Bulgaria. Our cooperation will result in strengthening the country's anti-aircraft defence and turning Bulgaria into a center for coordination of air space protection.
The joint military facilities in the Bulgarian territory don't pose a threat to Russia. Neither NATO nor the USA, and least of all Bulgaria, are hatching any aggressive plans against Moscow. The military bases have a clear purpose - preparation of rapid-reaction operations to eliminate sources of risks for Europe.
That's why the statement that Russia will direct its missiles against our country, is hard to comment. These words don't contain any explanations or arguments - the only message they send is determination and to some extent - a threat. This is neither the tone nor the logic the relations between Russia and the USA, Russia and the EU, Russia and Bulgaria should follow. Russia is not Bulgaria's enemy.
Only several weeks ago, President Vladimir Putin heartily welcomed Bulgaria's Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev in Moscow.
In my opinion, the Kremlin's current rhetoric has a rather internal political significance; it's a kind of a reminiscence from the past - the past of rigid control and unilaterally taken decisions. The future, however, belongs to cooperation and dialogue.
Military Expert
The official reason for US president George Bush's tour in Europe is the G8 summit, but the choice of the countries and the succession of his visits carry a message about Central and Eastern Europe's importance to the American policy both in the sphere of security and in the economic cooperation between Europe and America.
Bulgaria turned to be one of the most successful countries in Southeastern Europe. It became a member of NATO and the EU, it proved to be a staunch ally, its partners put their trust in it. And when there is trust new perspectives open - projects which will guarantee maximum security to Bulgaria. Our cooperation will result in strengthening the country's anti-aircraft defence and turning Bulgaria into a center for coordination of air space protection.
The joint military facilities in the Bulgarian territory don't pose a threat to Russia. Neither NATO nor the USA, and least of all Bulgaria, are hatching any aggressive plans against Moscow. The military bases have a clear purpose - preparation of rapid-reaction operations to eliminate sources of risks for Europe.
That's why the statement that Russia will direct its missiles against our country, is hard to comment. These words don't contain any explanations or arguments - the only message they send is determination and to some extent - a threat. This is neither the tone nor the logic the relations between Russia and the USA, Russia and the EU, Russia and Bulgaria should follow. Russia is not Bulgaria's enemy.
Only several weeks ago, President Vladimir Putin heartily welcomed Bulgaria's Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev in Moscow.
In my opinion, the Kremlin's current rhetoric has a rather internal political significance; it's a kind of a reminiscence from the past - the past of rigid control and unilaterally taken decisions. The future, however, belongs to cooperation and dialogue.
Bush to Visit Bezmer Airbase
Martin Petrov's left foot saves Bulgaria's face
Bulgarian Opera Singer Makes a Breakthrough in BBC Contest
