The Portuguese EU presidency will continue working for the freedom of the five Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya, just like its German predecessor did.

It will work in close co-operation with the European Commission and Bulgarian authorities so that the nurses return home.

European Integration Minister Gergana Gruncharova met on July 2 Portuguese ambassador to Bulgaria Mario Jesus dos Santos. He presented the priorities of the Portuguese presidency, among which the freedom of the five nurses.

During the German presidency, EU intensified its dialogue with Libya, targeting resolution of the nurses’ case.

Talks between the EU and Gaddaffi foundation in Libya are expected to result in freedom for the nurses, after the union provides aid for the treatment of children infected with HIV in the town of Benghazi.