DHS A/S Richard Barth’s Remarks

MFA, Sofia
April 16, 2008

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The relationship between the U.S. and Bulgaria is strong, is positive, and I think that the words you used of a strategic and friendly relationship are very important and I would also describe the relationship in that way.

We have had a Road Map in place for some numbers of years and we believe it’s time to start taking some concrete steps to move forward on… Based on recent legislation passed in the U.S. we believe there is a way to move forward. We’ve discussed the progress that has been made particularly in the area of better security features of the Bulgarian passports. This is a requirement of the EC as well as of the U.S. VWP and the Bulgarian government is making progress in that direction.

We’ve also discussed a few other issues that must be resolved that include a requirement by our laws for a visa refusal rate that’s below 10%. The numbers are moving in the right direction over the last several years and we have every reason to believe they’ll continue to do so without the ability to predict however, when they’ll get to the magical 10%.

The important issue we talked about is that there must be an effective and reliable law enforcement activity against terrorism, organized crime money laundering trafficking in persons, again particularly terrorists, as well as narcotics and other crimes. …We believe there is a way forward to start sharing some information bilaterally and reciprocally between our two nations that will enhance the security for both of our countries. We need to see that the results here as well as in the United States continue to result in criminals being not just investigated but prosecuted and convictions happen in both countries.

We think that the next step here can be an agreement which will lay out clearly what has been done and what will continue to be done until the full entry of Bulgaria into the US visa waiver system. I wish I could and I cannot predict when all the elements will come together  for Bulgaria to enter the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. But we believe that some concrete steps can be made soon.