site.btaJuly 24, 2007: Bulgarian Medics Return from Libya after Eight Years in Prison

On July 24, 2007, Bulgarian nurses Kristiyana Vulcheva, Nassya Nenova, Valentina Siropoulo, Valya Chervenyashka, Snezhana Dimitrova, Palestinian doctor Ashraf al-Hajuj, who by then acquired Bulgarian citizenship, and Bulgarian doctor Zdravko Georgiev, returned to Bulgaria.

The nurses and the Palestinian doctor were released the same day from the Jadida prison in Lybia, after their death sentences, previously imposed on May 6, 2004, confirmed on December 19, 2006 by the Criminal Court, and finally confirmed on July 11, 2007 by Libya's Supreme Court of Cassation, on charges of deliberate HIV infection of hundreds of Libyan children in Benghazi, were commuted.

On July 17, 2007, Libya's Supreme Judicial Council conclusively commuted their death sentences to life imprisonment. On July 24, 2007, the medics left for Sofia on a French government plane, accompanied by the wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Cecilia Sarkozy, and EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. In Sofia, the medics were welcomed by their relatives, representatives of state institutions and journalists. After their arrival, President Georgi Parvanov issued a decree pardoning them.

The Bulgarian medics were arrested in Benghazi on February 9, 1999, and spent a total of 2,755 days in prisons in Libya.

Here's how BTA's English-language Daily News covered their return in 2007:

Benghazi Six Return Home

Sofia, July 24 (BTA) - Just before 10 on Tuesday morning, the French presidential aircraft touched down at Sofia Airport with the six Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor on board. The six came home after spending over eight years in a Libyan prison and facing the death penalty on faulty charges of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the HIV virus. 

Shortly after their arrival, the six were pardoned by the President of Bulgaria. 

Kristiana Vulcheva, Nassya Nenova, Valya Chervenyashka, Valentina Siropoulo, Snezhana Dimitrova and Dr. Ashraf al-Hajuj came down the plane first, visibly happy and relieved. They were followed by one of the nurses' husbands and a former co-defendant, Dr. Zdravko Georgiev, the French President's wife, Cecilia Sarkozy, and EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. 

In a deeply emotional welcome, they were met by their families and friends. President Georgi Parvanov, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev, National Assembly Chairman Georgi Pirinski and Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin are also in the welcoming party. 

A huge banner reading "Innocent" and carried by dozens of people waited for them at the airport exit.

After a news conference where officials - but none of the nurses - made brief remarks, the nurses got on a bus that took them to the presidential Boyana Residence. There they will spend time with their families and undergo medical checkups. 

This is the happy ending to a dramatic case that kept the six in prison for over eight years. It is the successful result of an intense diplomatic effort by the EU through Cecilia Sarkozy and Benita Ferrero-Waldner in which Libya is reported to have agreed to a deal including aid and normalization of relations with the EU.

The two travelled to Tripoli several days after Libya's High Judicial Council commuted the death sentence of the six to life imprisonment. The commutation invoked a Bulgarian-Libyan agreement allowing convicts to serve their sentence in their home country.

In a statement released after news was broken of the Benghazi six' departure from Tripoli, President Parvanov thanked all Bulgarian partners and friends, state and government leaders and the whole Bulgarian society for the solidarity and support expressed by them. 

The head of the state expressed his appreciation of the active role of Bulgaria's European partners and personally of France's President Nikolas Sarkozy, European Commission Chairman Jose Manuel Barroso, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Cecilia Sarkozy.

Parvanov went on to express compassion for the HIV-infected Libyan children and their families.

Statements, Remarks Following Return of the Benghazi Six

Sofia, July 27 (BTA) - A news conference was held at Sofia Airport shortly after the return home of the six Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor to Bulgaria on Tuesday morning. None of the nurses made any statements.

Following are the statements at the news conference: 

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin:

Wishing the nurses a happy welcome, he thanked "everybody for their sympathy and solidarity". He singled out the EU, EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, French First Lady Cecilia Sarkozy, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, among all other countries which helped so much the Benghazi Six cause.

EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner:

In an emotional statement, she congratulated the families of the Bulgarian medics on the joyous return of their relatives and said this return was made possible thanks to collective efforts. 

"We owe this joy, this humanitarian success to the collective efforts of the EU and more specifically to the role of France." She noted the efforts of the countries who chaired the EU presidency during the efforts to free the Bulgarians: Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and France's role for the positive outcome. "This is thanks to the efforts of the EU and Bulgaria." 

"Today a new page opens in our relations with Libya," she said. 

Claude Gueant, the general secretary of the Elysee: 

He said this was above all a moment of joy. He recalled his visit to Tripoli and how he was stricken by the sad faces of the six then, and how joyful they looked after their arrival. He also recalled the promise of President Sarkozy during his election campaign two months ago to do his best to see the nurses and the Palestinian doctor released. "This is now the successful end of these efforts." 

"We must not forget a difficult aspect, and this is the situation of the HIV-infected children. An important element in human rights protection is ensuring the treatment of these children." 

"Also, I would like to thank the Libyan authorities who understood our humanitarian arguments and allowed the Bulgarians to go home." 

"This is a new page in our relations with Libya, which is now open." 

Kristiana Vulcheva (in bTV interview):

She said she was still numb. She said they had hope throughout that it will end sooner or later. 

She said that the nurses were waken up at 4 on Tuesday morning with the news and at 5:45 they walked out the gate of Jadida prison and boarded the French presidential aircraft.

Sofia Mayor Boyko Borissov and Sofia City Council Chairman Vladimir Kissyov have proposed to declare French President Nikolas Sarkozy, his wife Cecilia Sarkozy and European External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner freemen of Sofia, Sofia Municipality told BTA.

Comments on the Return of Bulgarian Medics from Libya

Sofia, July 24 (BTA) - Jubilation dominated all comments following the arrival of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor from Libya where they spent over eight years in prison and faced the death penalty on charges of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the HIV virus. Following is a sample of the comments:

Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev:

"The important thing is that everything is over and this is a direct result of two things: lots of consistent and concentrated efforts of the Bulgarian State in the course of many years and very strong solidarity and support from the European Union and our partners [...]." 

"The decisive point was that we managed, after Bulgaria joined the EU, to turn this problem into a problem of the relations between Libya and the EU, rather than only between Bulgaria and Libya."

"When I saw them on the runway, I told them 'Welcome! It is over, you are already home. You are free people now'. It was very exciting."

The Prime Minister said that the Council of Ministers will have a meeting to discuss all details regarding the health insurance of the medics for the time they were in Libya, and the government support they will get.

National Assembly Chairman Georgi Pirinski:

Addressing the opening of an extraordinary session of Parliament, Pirinski said that the National Assembly together with the Bulgarian people experience the moments of deep satisfaction with the return home of the medics.

"Let us admit that this successful outcome was made possible thanks to the concerted efforts and solidarity of the state institutions, NGOs, media, persons of world renown, leading experts and last but not least, parliamentarians from across the world," Pirinski said. 

"Already during the first days of Bulgaria's membership in the EU we felt the power of European solidarity in the position and actions of the European institutions and the member states, the efforts of Germany, Britain, Italy, Greece and the decisive role of France and its President in the last stage of the effort to release the medics," Pirinski said.

Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, leader of the Simeon II National Movement (of the government coalition) and former Prime Minister of Bulgaria:

"I am excited about the return of our medics and the Palestinian doctor. I am satisfied that the consistent efforts of two governments led to the result for which all of us have hoped so much."

"The support of our partners in the European Union was invaluable. At this moment, the most important thing is that Kristiana, Nassya, Valya, Valentina, Snezhana and Zdravko are back with their families." 

Solomon Passy, chairman of the parliamentary foreign policy committee and former Foreign Minister:

"The three main principles we followed in these negotiations worked out - maximum dialogue with Libya, maximum internationalization of the case and mutually acceptable decision made under the conditions of quiet diplomacy."

"We have been fighting for this for almost nine years. There were moments when I was really worried, but it was important not to show it".

Prosecutor General Boris Velchev:

The Prosecutor General said he had not expected to see the medics back home so soon. "Everything related to this case developed in an unconventional way, the solution came in exactly such unconventional manner." "Libya cannot have any further claims against the medics, or to the Bulgarian state." 

Michael Humphreys, Head of European Commission Representation in Sofia:

"Events moved rapidly and they moved rapidly in the right direction and in the appropriate manner," Humphreys said in a BTA interview.

The result we've seen today is the result of actions going back hours, days, months and years, said he. Everybody has played a role, starting from Bulgaria. People in the EU and particularly in the Commission and Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner herself have been following the issue for a long time. The German presidency, the UK, France, Portugal, the other member states, the countries in the region, and the US were all very active in the efforts towards the release of the medics. The role played by France and Cecilia Sarkozy should not be underestimated at all, said Humphreys. In his words, she played a role in breaking the deadlock. "I am delighted by what was done and by the commitment shown by France and Madame Sarkozy."

Commenting EU's relations with Libya from now on, Humphreys said that the EU is "looking forward to a new phase in our relations with Libya". The EU will continue with the action plan to support the children and medical services in Libya. It is looking forward to further develop contractual relations with Libya, deepen economic ties and political relations in various areas, such as the migration policy, Humphreys said. 

French Ambassador Etienne de Poncins:

President Sarkozy took this tragedy to heart and made it his personal cause, the French Ambassador told BTA.

The Bulgarians made great efforts, so did the European Union - everybody united around the idea and at one point the solution came. In his view the fact that Libya wants to improve relations with the EU and with France in particular also helped.

Assistance will be rendered to build a hospital and other steps forward will also be taken so that Libya could assume its place in the relations with the EU.

US Ambassador John Beyrle: 

"It was very difficult, but we worked very hard so that this day could come. Congratulations to all Bulgarians about this very delightful news. We share the joy and relief of the Bulgarian people at the release of the nurses. The past eight years have been difficult, and we are pleased this ordeal has come to an end. As President Bush explained during his visit to Sofia last month, the release of the nurses has been a high priority for our country, and we have worked hard with our European friends and the Bulgarian government to see them return home to their families. In addition, we continue our efforts to ease the suffering of the other innocent victims in this case - the Libyan children infected with HIV." 

EC Spokesperson Johannes Laitenberger:

Watching the TV coverage of the landing of the French aircraft with the Bulgarian nurses EC Spokesperson Johannes Laitenberger voiced the European Commission's satisfaction with the happy settlement of this tough, complicated and painful case. He said that many people in Brussels, including himself, had a sleepless night. 

What happens now is the culmination of a long process, in which the European Commission spared no efforts to achieve a positive solution, Laitenberger stated.

Stressing the role of French President Sarkozy for settling the case, the EC Spokesperson also gave due credit to the Emir of Qatar.

The Spokesperson confirmed the commitment of the Commission and the EU to keep on rendering assistance to the HIV-infected Libyan children.

***

French President Nikolas Sarkozy, his wife Cecilia Sarkozy and European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner were made freemen of Sofia. The decision was made by the Sofia City Council at an extraordinary session Tuesday. 

***

The Health Ministry said that leading psychologists and psychiatrists have been summoned to provide specialist care to the medics after their return from Libya. 

The Union of the Bulgarian Tourist Industry said the medics and their families can stay free of charge at hotels owned by Union members. In a special statement, the Union say this is their way to share the joy of the medics' families and all Bulgarians. 

President Parvanov: No Price Is Too High for Human Life

Sofia, July 24 (BTA) - In an address to the nation following the return home of the five Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor from Libya, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov said the most important thing has always been seeing the medics free. "We were moved by the understanding that no price is too high for the freedom and for human life."

The price for this freedom was high: because of the years of suffering of the medics and their families, said the President. He went on to express admiration for the high morale of the six, their resilience, strength of spirit and courage in the face of hardships. The price was also high because of the outrageous accusations against this country for being part of some international plot and the negative image that was created for it, said the Head of State. 

He noted that he had signed the decree for the pardon of Kristiana, Nassya, Valentina, Valya, Snezhana and Dr. Ashraf al-Hajuj with the awareness of their innocence and the understanding that the only fair solution in their case could have been their acquittal.

"Unfortunately, the Libyan court ignored the indisputable legal and scientific evidence for the innocence of the medics. It did not take into consideration the flagrant violations of the human rights of our compatriots. The death penalty and its commutation to life imprisonment conceal the true causes of the HIV outbreak in Benghazi," President Parvanov said. 

He noted in the early days of the case Bulgarian diplomacy clearly underestimated the gravity of the problem and it took the Bulgarian institutions long searching for the right approach and instruments. "In retrospect, analyses will probably show that mistakes were made."

Especially in the recent years, Bulgarian diplomacy was dynamic, pro-active and firm, but it was also cautious and delicate when this was required, he noted.

In the President's words, the recent years and months have proven the will and readiness of the Bulgarian State to protect its citizens wherever they are across the world.

There has been no other equally powerful manifestation of solidarity with a Bulgarian cause in this country's contemporary history, the President said.

He went on to note the role of civil society and its pressure as an important catalyst in the efforts towards a just solution. 

"The release of the medics became possible also owing to the solidarity of our European partners, the compassion of our friends from USA, the Balkans, Russia and many Arab countries." He singled out the firm positions assumed by the European Parliament and its Parliamentary Assembly, the active diplomatic work of the European Commission and the support of the heads of state and government of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Austria, Greece and the rest EU countries.

Parvanov stated that the dialogue with the Libyan authorities was tough and painful at times. Incredible efforts were needed to ease the medics' treatment regime, said Parvanov. This was particularly evident at the final stage of the negotiations, when President Sarkozy and his wife, European Commission President Barrosso and EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, employing considerable tactfulness and firmness, contributed to the final settlement.

"The powerful international campaign showed unequivocally that the democratic world is convinced in the innocence of our compatriots: something in which we have always believed."

The Head of State reiterated his sympathy with the infected Libyan children and their families. "I believe that the EU, including Bulgaria, will continue its efforts in the long term for their treatment and the reduction of the scopes of this tragedy," he stated.

Addressing the medics, President Parvanov said he was aware that they had suffered tough moments. "You are the true winners in this fight for freedom and the right to a worthy life. You displayed one of the strongest features of our national character. I hope that here, in your homeland, you will receive the warmth and support that so far has kept your spirit high from a distance."

President Bush Congratulated Georgi Parvanov on Release of Bulgarian Medics

Sofia, July 24 (BTA) - US President George Bush congratulated personally in a telephone conversation his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Parvanov on the release of the Bulgarian medics, the Bulgarian President's Press Secretariat said on Tuesday.

The Bulgarian administration undertook highly decisive measures, and the solution of the case gives a solid reason to be happy, Bush said. It is the Bulgarian side that takes the credit for the successful settlement in spite of the external involvement, he added.

On his part President Parvanov thanked the US side for its support for the Bulgarian cause.

Release of Bulgarian Medics Draws International Reaction

Sofia, July 24 (BTA) - Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev discussed the return of Bulgarian medics to Bulgaria with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, the Government's Information Service said.

Stanishev thanked Barroso for the Commission's high contribution and consistent position and for the successful completion of the talks with the Libyan side and the release of the Bulgarians. This is an eloquent example of the capacity of European solidarity, he added. Stanishev stressed the contribution of EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

In a telephone conversation with Italian President Romano Prodi, Prime Minister Stanishev thanked for Italy's contribution and Prodi's personal efforts to settle the case. Both Barroso and Prodi voiced happiness with the successful solution found.

Talking over the phone to Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier congratulated the Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor with the return of the medics to Bulgaria.