Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume X, Eastern Europe

402. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bulgaria¹

348449:

Washington, October 25, 1988, 2247Z

SUBJECT

• Deputy Foreign Minister Popov Meets With DAS Simons.

REF

• State 346882.²

1. Confidential entire text.

2. Summary. Deputy Foreign Minister Popov and Ambassador Velichkov paid a courtesy call on DAS Simons. Popov spent most of the meeting describing his role in the Foreign Ministry as director of religious matters. DAS Simons informed the Deputy Minister and the Ambassador that the Deputy Secretary had a very good visit to Bulgaria.³ Simons stated that the one negative aspect to the visit was the non-appearance of five non-official Bulgarians who had been scheduled to meet with the Deputy Secretary. He said that we have heard allegations that these individuals were prevented from attending the meeting. Simons said that we find such allegations difficult to understand, and, if true, they would be very disturbing. End summary.

3. On October 24, Bulgarian Dep Foreign Minister Lyubomir Popov and appointed Ambassador Velichkov met with DAS Thomas Simons. EEY Deputy Director Seymour and Bulgarian Desk Officer Cloud also attended the meeting.

4. Popov began the meeting by noting that his visit was partially private (i.e., to visit his son in the Bulgarian Embassy in Washington). He explained that he had twice previously been accredited to the United States and that he now was responsible for religious affairs within the Foreign Ministry. Popov said that his office was somewhat similar to the office of religious affairs in other socialist states. However, he noted that his office does not register the three major religious affiliations in Bulgaria (Orthodox, Islamic and Catholic), but only the smaller, mainly Protestant churches. Popov stated that the Orthodox Church receives most of its funds from the operation of certain monopolies (e.g., the production of candles, publication of Bibles) and donations. He did confirm that both the Orthodox Church and the Jewish community receive support from the GOB. He asserted that there were no difficulties with other churches over the Orthodox Church’s monopoly in the publication of Bibles. He acknowledged that Protestant churches have requested (and apparently received) permission to publish hymn books and other religious materials.

5. DAS Simons said that the Deputy Secretary’s recent visit to Bulgaria had been a very good one and more productive than the last. He noted that both sides agree that relations are improving, but that further potential remains. Simons said that he was impressed both with the reforms now being implemented and those scheduled for implementation on 1 January.

6. Simons noted that the Deputy Secretary had been looking forward to the opportunity to meet with five non-official Bulgarians and that Foreign Minister Mladenov had been informed of the meeting. Simons said that none of the people appeared at the meeting and that we have received information that these individuals may have been arrested or expelled. He stated that such meetings were standard practice during the Deputy Secretary’s visits to Eastern Europe and have proven very helpful. Ambassador Velichkov was taken aback by these allegations. Velichkov promised to check into this. He said that this was not “five years ago.”

7. Popov then asked what the current prospects were for most-favored nation tariff treatment (MFN), noting that when he had been Ambassador MFN had seemed attainable. Simons responded that MFN seemed a long way off. Bulgaria would have to meet the requirements of Jackson-Vanik before the administration could consider granting MFN status. In response to a question from Popov, Simons acknowledged that the Nixon administration had originally opposed Jackson-Vanik. However, Simons stated that Jackson-Vanik is now accepted by all, and while the administration has fought successfully to keep the narrow Jackson-Vanik criterion of emigration intact, as a practical political matter the whole range of human rights concerns, including religious freedom and minority rights, would be taken into account in making decisions in the future.

Whitehead

1. Source: Department of State, Records from Ambassador Thomas W. Simons, Jr., Lot 03 D 256, Chron October 1988. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by John A. Cloud (EUR/EEY); cleared by Jack Seymour (EUR/EEY) and Timothy Deal (EUR/EEY); approved by Simons.
2. Telegram 346882 to Sofia, October 24, was the original, uncorrected copy of this telegram. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy Files, D880945–0278)
3. See Document 401.