Statement on the occasion of the Bulgarian medics’ return to their home country pronounced by the Chairman of the National Assembly, Georgi Pirinski, in the plenary hall

24 July 2007




Today the National Assembly joins the Bulgarian public in experiencing moments of deep satisfaction with the return to our country and release of Christiana Valcheva, Nassia Nenova, Snezhana Dimitrova, Valia Cherveniashka, Valentina Siropoulo, Dr. Zdravko Georgiev and Dr. Ashraf. We share everyone’s celebration of the triumph of truth about our innocent medics and their reunion with family and loved ones.

We must admit that this successful turn of events was possible thanks to the combined effort and solidarity of governmental authorities, non-governmental organizations, media, global celebrities, leading experts and last but not least parliamentarians all around the world.

Bulgaria’s patient diplomatic and governmental efforts going on for years were complemented by the growing civil society involvement and the action of ad hoc civil groups which were able to voice their position through the active role of the media community.

In the first days of Bulgaria’s European Union membership, we also realized and experienced the power of European solidarity spelled out in the position and action of European institutions and Member States. It also transpired during the German presidency in conjunction with the efforts of countries such as Great Britain, Italy, Greece and the decisive role of France and its president in the last stage of the efforts to free the medics.

Those were clear signs of the staunch commitment to free those European citizens who were convicted without fault. The efforts of European institutions and governments were strongly encouraged and supported by massive civil action of legal and medical experts, journalists and politicians indicating the involvement of the European public.

In addition, it was paramount to have the efforts of other partners and friends of ours all around the world and their continuous empathy with Bulgaria until our compatriots’ case were fully addressed.

In a statement dated December 19 last year our National Assembly explicitly denied the sentences of our medics and appealed to our friends all over the world to support our efforts for immediate release of the falsely convicted. Several days ago we reiterated our understanding that the issue would be resolved when our compatriots set foot on native soil.

Bulgarian members of the European Parliament contributed significantly to the involvement of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe with respect to adopting a clean-cut position and appeals for the medics’ release. I would like to stress the contribution of Member States’ national parliaments and other organizations in those countries which expressly demonstrated their support.

Now, let us wish to our compatriots who have happily returned to Bulgaria, quick recovery from the suffering they experienced and return to their normal lives with the help of their close friends, families, and the Bulgarian community.

Allow me also to state the willingness of the Bulgarian Parliament to facilitate the recovery process and help make arrangements for a meeting of the released medics with Members of Parliament and public figures who have mobilized their efforts towards their liberation.