Press Statement by Ambassador John Beyrle

Press Release
December 20, 2006

I want to express my deep disappointment about yesterday’s verdict by the Libyan Court.  I share the great concern of the Bulgarian people about the fate of the five nurses - Kristiyana Vulcheva, Nasya Nenova, Valentina Siropulo, Valya Chervenyashka, and Snezhana Dimitrova, and the ordeal that they have undergone for the last almost eight years.  I believe that the scientific evidence, especially the most recent evidence presented by American and European scientists, shows they are innocent.

As Secretary Rice said yesterday in Washington, the United States is continuing to work in every way that we can to assure that the Bulgarian medics and Palestinian doctor are freed.  It’s our understanding that yesterday’s decision is subject to further review, and we are urging that the process move forward as quickly as possible.  We want to see the day come soon when the nurses return safely to their homes, friends and families.