site.btaToday's Observances: January 12

Bulgaria: Military Intelligence Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1892: First long-distance telephone line launched between Sofia and Plovdiv.

1908: Information Office of Armed Forces Staff is transformed into Intelligence Unit to become first military intelligence service.

1992: First direct presidential elections held. Dissident Zhelyu Zhelev elected president in January 19 second round of voting.

1994: Decision is made to sign framework agreement on participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace programme.

1998: Original copy of 18th century Slav-Bulgarian History by Paisius of Hilendar is returned to Zographou Monastery in Mount Athos. 

2001: National Assembly ratifies two agreements of World Intellectual Property Organization - on copyright and on performance and recordings.