Libya still holds its stand that Bulgaria should negotiate with the families of the HIV-infected children, as it became evident during the United Nations Summit in New York.
Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin met there with his Libyan counterpart Foreign Minister Abdel-Rahman Shalgam, who explained that given the independence of the judicial system this was the best course of action. Shalgam pointed out that according to Islam laws the dispute could be settled if the families of the infected children drop all charges and stop claiming the medics' deaths.
Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor were sentenced to death in May 2004 on charges of intentionally causing an AIDS outbreak at a Benghazi children's hospital, sparkling cries of foul from Bulgaria and its allies the United States and the European Union. The court ignored world-renowned AIDS experts testimony that the outbreak started before the medics began working at the clinic.
Bulgaria's humanitarian support, along with that of the rest of the world is highly appreciated, Shalgham said, noting that such actions work for cooling off the public turmoil. Nevertheless Bulgaria's Kalfin maintained that this support has nothing to do with the court case and should not be considered as acknowledgement of guilt. Minister Kalfin added that he is satisfied with the meeting, because he managed to achieve one of his goals, namely to lead an honest and open conversation with his Libyan counterpart.
Source: SNA
