Barroso hails release of Bulgarian nurses

EU commission president José Manuel Barroso has hailed the release of six medics facing the death penalty in Libya as a victory for European cooperation.

“This happy ending has come about because of European solidarity,” he told journalists on Tuesday morning.

“We have spared no effort and never given up trying to find a solution.”

The European parliament's ALDE group leader Graham Watson agreed that the political pressure since Bulgaria became a full EU member was vital in raising the profile of the case.

The five Bulgarian nurses and one Palestinian doctor were sentenced to death in 2005 for their alleged role in infecting 426 Libyan children with HIV while working at a hospital in the city of Benghazi.

In jail since 1999, the medics have always maintained their innocence.
Barroso paid special tribute to the role France played in freeing the nurses.

A delegation from Paris including Cécilia Sarkozy, the wife of the French president, and EU commissioner for foreign affairs Benita Ferrero-Waldner arrived in Libya at the weekend to negotiate their return home.

“This joint effort from the EU and France has been decisive,” he said.

“I want to send a special message of thanks to president Sarkozy and his wife for their personal engagement. This was essential.”

Barroso insisted that there was nothing ‘hidden’ in the deal to release the medics. However, he did foresee improved relations with the North African country.

“I had a long conversation with Mr Gaddafi yesterday and assured him of our wish to further relations,” he said.

“The non-settlement of this issue has blocked progress. So yes, we may expect progress now with Mediterranean countries including Libya.”

Watson warned however that Libya should not be rewarded for its belated decision.

"Libya still has to demonstrate that it can be a reliable partner in the long term," he said.

Barroso added that the documents signed late last night by Ferrero-Waldner on behalf of the commission would be released later today.

Bulgaria made an official request last week to repatriate the medics, and last month granted citizenship to the Palestinian doctor, Ashraf al-Hazouz.

Barroso said that although the six medics were now subject to Bulgarian law, he understood that they would not be going to prison.

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