The managing council of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) approved the agreement for the positioning of foreign troops in Bulgarian military bases.

Four major arguments led to the approval, BSP member Angel Naidenov said. Foreign troops will increase Bulgaria’s strategic security through a closer partnership with the US, BGNES news agency reported.

Bulgaria will also play a more important role in the provision of Balkan stability. The agreement will further co-operation between Bulgaria and the US in other spheres, as well. It will also aid the modernisation of the Bulgarian army, Naidenov said.

New discussion is expected in the BSP supreme council, which received a recommendation from the managing council to ratify the agreement.

By Easter the supreme council will meet representatives of Coalition for Bulgaria to discuss the support of the military bases agreement.

Bulgaria and the US are expected to sign the final agreement during a visit of US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice to Bulgaria in the end of April.