Negotiations with the US over the positioning of foreign troops in Bulgarian military bases are nearing their conclusion. The agreement would likely be approved during the upcoming session of the Bulgarian Cabinet.

Two of the most questionable items in the talks have been agreed upon, Sega newspaper reported. Both the status of US soldiers and their access to military equipment have been clarified.

US soldiers need to comply with Bulgarian laws. The US will inform Bulgaria about each military move it plans to undertake on Bulgarian territory. During the latest talks the number of soldiers each base will accommodate was decreased to 2500 from 5000.

Novo Selo base and the aviation facilities Bezmer and Graf Ignatievo will be used by US soldiers. An agreement has also been reached for the usage of a military storage facility.

After the Cabinet approves the agreement, the project will be tabled for voting in the National Assembly. The agreement will pass through two voting procedures. Analysts said that by the April visit of US secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Bulgaria the agreement would be ready for the final signing.

The three bases will be open for military training of troops from different NATO member countries. Bulgarian soldiers will participate in the training sessions of the US soldiers.