"During the last couple of months we did our best to help resolve the deadlock with the Bulgarian medics held in Libya.

We ask the Libyan president Moammar Kadafi to intervene and release the Bulgarian medics. Unfortunately, all our efforts were in vain," Jeffrey Van Orden told MPs in a briefing held earlier today. The co-chairpersons of the Parliamentary committee Bulgaria - EU Mrs. Catherine Guy-Quint and Atanas Paparizov were also present.

They all wore stickers with the Bulgarian flag and the motto "You are not alone" in support of the Bulgarian medics. The Libyan trial was the most important issue at the conference.

Before the briefing, the Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov welcomed Jeffrey van Orden and the two discussed Bulgaria's integration into the European Union.

Van Orden reminded us that several European Union countries have responded and taken in infected lybian children to be treated in their hospitals. Most of the money come from the European community and are currently being treated in Italy.

"On the other hand, it is grossly immoral to try and trade with the lives of the Bulgarian medics in Libya. It is absolutely clear that they are innocent but the Libyans use it as a pretext to gain some money," the British politician explained.

He was asked if more radical action should be taken against Libya, Van Orden said that the situation was extremely delicate and negotiating with the Libyans is something of a balancing act and that we should rely on diplomacy to resolve the crisis. It is clear that Kadafi is talking to his people not to the International community.

Libya chose a different path for its development and its ties with the rest of the world, Mr Orden added. He reminded us that Libya has admitted to its involvement in the Lockerbie disaster in Scotland. The Jamahiriya also gave up on its chemical weapons programme which was a promising start to a change in Libya's foreign policy.

Jeffrey van Orden also made it clear that despite all the positive signals given by Libya, it all depends on the outcome of this trial. Economic pressure against Libya is possible, he added.

The fate of the two nuclear reactors that Bulgaria had to close two days ago was also discussed at the briefing.

Jeffrey Van Orden said that nuclear energy is a hotly debated issues worldwide, but he disapproved of the fact that the European commision has demanded the closure of the two nuclerar reactors so early.

On the other hand, safe nuclear power plants guarantee your country's future development he said.

The Kozloduy power plant has supplied your country and its neighbours with electricity and this means that the latter will be the first to feel the consequences of the closurte of reactors number three and four. "The decision is not final and is subject to discussion," he added.

In conclusion jeffrey Van Orden said he was sure that Bulgaria will continue to fight corruption and organized crime. "The reforms in the judicial system of the country should continue," he added.

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