A DECISION by the US on whether to establish military bases in Bulgaria is expected by the end of this year, armed forces chief General Nikola Kolev, told Bulgarian National Radio.
The Bulgarian Govern-ment would welcome the move and has already suggested several possible sites for such bases, Foreign Minister Solomon Passi said. In the long run, he said, the Pentagon may decide to deploy its troops in other countries, but the relocation of NATO forces from West Europe to the East is unavoidable.
General Kolev also said the American military had expressed an interest in several Bulgarian sites, mainly aviation bases and firing ranges. The final decision will, however, be political as it will influence investments in infrastructure and boost local business and employment.
Kolev said that the Graf Ignatievo air base is in excellent technical condition and is the best equipped of its kind in this part of Europe. The facilities it offers are unique as the Russian equipment originally used has been well integrated into that manufactured more recently in Western countries.
The General also said that Bulgaria would soon complete its "Plan 2004", to reform its armed forces in preparation for NATO accession. From now on, efforts will be focused on the modernisation of the army, he said.
Bulgaria's army currently numbers 45 000. General Kolev publicly warned politicians against reductions in this number, as this would affect the army's ability to respond to future threats.
NATO accession now effectively irreversible after the main countries in the Alliance ratified Bulgaria's entry. If all goes well, by May next year Bulgaria would be a full member of NATO, General Kolev said.
The Bulgarian Govern-ment would welcome the move and has already suggested several possible sites for such bases, Foreign Minister Solomon Passi said. In the long run, he said, the Pentagon may decide to deploy its troops in other countries, but the relocation of NATO forces from West Europe to the East is unavoidable.
General Kolev also said the American military had expressed an interest in several Bulgarian sites, mainly aviation bases and firing ranges. The final decision will, however, be political as it will influence investments in infrastructure and boost local business and employment.
Kolev said that the Graf Ignatievo air base is in excellent technical condition and is the best equipped of its kind in this part of Europe. The facilities it offers are unique as the Russian equipment originally used has been well integrated into that manufactured more recently in Western countries.
The General also said that Bulgaria would soon complete its "Plan 2004", to reform its armed forces in preparation for NATO accession. From now on, efforts will be focused on the modernisation of the army, he said.
Bulgaria's army currently numbers 45 000. General Kolev publicly warned politicians against reductions in this number, as this would affect the army's ability to respond to future threats.
NATO accession now effectively irreversible after the main countries in the Alliance ratified Bulgaria's entry. If all goes well, by May next year Bulgaria would be a full member of NATO, General Kolev said.
