On May 26 Bulgaria's National Assembly will consider the ratification of the agreement for military co-operation between Bulgaria and the US signed by US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin on April 28.

During the sitting of the parliament Kalfin presented the reasons for signing the document, Bulgarian National Radio reported. He said that the main motive for the agreement was the considerable change in the political situation over the past 15 years.

Kalfin said that Bulgaria now faced different threats than in the past and the situation required a new defence strategy co-ordinated with the US and European countries. The document was Bulgaria's way of responding to the new threats to international peace like terrorism and nuclear weapon production, he added.

With the agreement Bulgaria allows the setting up of foreign military bases in the country for soldier training, preparation and execution of humanitarian missions.

The contract fully protected Bulgarian interests as it clearly defined ways foreign soldiers would use the military bases, Kalfin said. The agreement also states that the US will not place nuclear weapons in the country. Foreign troops also need Bulgaria's permission to launch operations against a third party.

Benefits from the agreement include the opening of new work places, economic development and guaranteeing stability in Southeastern Europe. The agreement would also help Bulgaria reform and modernise its army, the Cabinet said.