A deal on the release of the five Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death for intentional HIV infection in Libya was still far from being reached, Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin said.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that talks between EU and families of the children infected with HIV in Libya intensified over the past weeks but a decision has not been taken yet.

Media reported that the talks could guarantee the freedom of the nurses in return for financial compensation.

“I cannot say when a deal will be agreed or announced as talks are still underway,” representative of Gaddaffi foundation told AFP. The foundation acts as an intermediary in the talks.

In case families and the EU strike a deal, the death sentences of the nurses could be changed with prison sentenced to be served in Bulgaria, AFP reported.