Disputes around the opening of the classified files of the former State Security were re-kindled after journalist Angelina Petrova requested access to the dossiers of 10 leading journalists.

The Interior Ministry agreed to let Petrova examine the files only if she did not disclose the information in them, BGNES news agency reported. When the Interior Ministry checked on the requested files it became clear one of them was destroyed

Prosecutor-General Boris Velchev said it was 'unfair' that files had been destroyed and that access to them remained limited. He added that this was, however, understandable. It was better to have some information than none, he added.

President Georgi Purvanov said that making classified files public at this moment was a mistake, Focus news agency reported. He was opposed by Interior Minister Roumen Petkov and Velchev insisting on the immediate opening of the files.

Earlier Velchev said claims that the EU expected Bulgaria's organised crime problems to be solved completely by October 2006 were 'naive'. According to Velchev, 'demonstrative' actions would have the opposite result, creating an exaggerated image of 'revolutionary situation' in the country.

The country should work on making convictions of organised crime group leaders a regular practice, he added.