The US ambassador to Bulgaria, Kenneth Merten, gave a negative answer to the question of whether his institution interferes in Bulgarian politics.
“That’s not what my job is, but to defend US-backed policies at the UN, etc. We don’t interfere in domestic politics, we work with whoever is elected to power here. That’s the way most diplomats try to to work,” explained Merten in an interview with bTV.
When asked if they were seeking advice from the embassy, he said that was the business of politicians and he would give such an answer if they approached him for advice.
Asked about the endemic corruption, he pointed out that it exists in every country, including the US, in Asia, everywhere, the important thing is to have mechanisms to detect it and ensure punishments.
Regarding the constitutional changes in our country and about the “brokers” of influence, Merten explained that there are challenges in complying with the rules: “Bulgaria is constantly looking for ways to do the best, in every society it is said that some people don’t care about the rules, that’s why we have elections to change the rules and make sure they apply to everyone.”
Ambassador Merten also added that reading the Bulgarian press, watching TV programs, people are quite well informed. “These are important elements for all parts of society and the government to function normally,” noted the diplomat.
Asked about the global Magnitsky Act, Merten explained that it was passed by Congress to see what further steps could be taken against corruption.
“The real goal is to stop problematic behavior, to do things differently, we are closely monitoring what is happening in the country, including in Bulgaria. We are not talking about whether new names will be added in the future, it depends on the circumstances and what information has been granted to us,” the ambassador said.
NATO has existed for a long time, 75 years will be completed in 2024, a long time in which we have been working together, and this year marks 20 years of Bulgaria’s membership. I will not comment on what opinions are expressed by candidates for political positions, when they come into power, they realize that the reality is different, Merten said on the occasion of Donald Trump’s words that any country that does not pay its contribution to the Alliance will give it to Putin to do whatever he wants with it.
“Bulgarians, the Bulgarian political class understand that they have made the choice to be part of NATO, they benefit from the umbrella provided by the 30 allies, the Alliance is of real benefit,” Merten was categorical.
According to him, the sanctions against Russia are effective. “We, as well as our allies in Europe, are constantly discussing how to make them even more effective, Russia is bypassing them in some cases, we are analyzing and finding new ways to make them more useful. To be honest the US and others in The EU has limited influence in Russia, our ability to talk to parts of Russian society is drastically limited, we mourn Mr. Alexei Navalny, but his death is due to President Putin, no one should die in prison, but Russia has become a country that tolerates this kind of thing,” noted the American ambassador.
According to him, Bulgaria has done a very good job after gas supplies from Russia have been cut off in 2022. “We are proud that alternative sources have been found, last week we signed for the Westinghouse headquarters, these are all good and important steps. Regarding at the refinery there are several American companies that were in Sofia, but I can’t say how actively they are looking to buy,” Merten added.
When asked what surprised him in our country, Kenneth Merten indicated that it was the lack of American tourists. “Everyone, wherever we take them – in Sofia, in Plovdiv, along the Black Sea, in Veliko Tarnovo, people see these places and are impressed. They are impressive! I would say that even among the diplomats before me, everyone with whom I spoke , who served here before, said how much they liked it here. For most of them, it was their favorite assignment in the diplomatic service,” revealed Kenneth Merten.
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