Intelligence and security co-operation featured among the topics of discussion during a meeting between Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin and US director of national intelligence John Negroponte.

Bulgaria and the US co-operated successfully in the fight against terrorism, human and weapon trafficking, money laundering and fraud, Kalfin and Negroponte said.

The two also discussed Kosovo's status and the different options that could be expected in the end of the negotiations on it. Peacekeeping in Iraq was also mentioned.

Negroponte once again confirmed the US support for a changed outcome of the trial in Libya. The five Bulgarian nurses charged with intentional HIV infection there were sentenced to death on December 19.

While in Washington, Kalfin also met deputy treasury secretary Robert Kimmitt. The two discussed Iraq's debt. Kalfin said that Bulgaria could not remit Iraq's debt as it was significant and the sum was important for Bulgaria.

Kimmitt informed Kalfin of increased number of money laundering attempts, involving the US bank and finance system. He recommended the introduction of preventive measures in Bulgaria.