Joe Wilson: “on Tuesday, I welcomed to Capitol Hill Ambassador Elena Poptodorova and Foreign Minister Solomon Passy of the Republic…”

“on Tuesday, I welcomed to Capitol Hill Ambassador Elena Poptodorova and Foreign Minister Solomon Passy of the Republic of Bulgaria. Ms. Poptodorova and Mr. Passy have been dynamic leaders to promote the establishment of democracy in Bulgaria. My appreciation of the people of Bulgaria began in June, 1990, when I served as an election observer for the International Republican Institute. I saw firsthand the end of Communist totalitarianism and the birth of democracy. Over the last decade, democracy has flourished in Bulgaria, and its economy grew 5 percent last year. In the war on terrorism, Bulgaria has been an enthusiastic ally of NATO and the United States. The people of Bulgaria have warmly reestablished friendships with the people of America. With its strategic location in southeastern Europe, with its talented people, and with its enthusiasm for democracy, I support Bulgaria's admission into NATO as soon as possible. I congratulate Ambassador Elena Poptodorova and Foreign Minister Solomon Passy for their efforts for coordinated defense in Europe.”