site.btaUS Ambassador: Strong Judicial System Is Best Antidote to Corruption

US Ambassador to Bulgaria Herro Mustafa said in a bTV interview on Sunday that a strong judicial system is the best antidote to corruption. She said corruption remains a serious problem in Bulgaria, and therefore, a judicial reform is essential.

The diplomat noted that some of the bills which are in the National Assembly now and which are required by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, date back to 2009. Experts have reviewed them, and even the European Commission and the Venice Commission have made recommendations about how to reform the Bulgarian Prosecutor General's Office. It is about time that this legislation is adopted and implemented in its entirety, not selectively, the Ambassador urged.

If there is a political will, there is a way, Ambassador Mustafa said, suggesting that even the present legislature can adopt these laws.

The United States stands by the sanctions it has imposed on Bulgarian individuals under the Global Magnitsky Act. They are just one method in a range of efforts that the US and Bulgaria are making together in a bid to curb corruption and strengthen the rule of law, the Ambassador said. She argued that the Bulgarian judicial reform can be made only by Bulgarians.

Bulgaria is a totally reliable ally in NATO, she said. In addition to military support for Ukraine, Bulgaria has provided medical supplies, generators, and is helping the refugees who have come here. Bulgaria hosts a NATO battlegroup and has stepped up the military exercises and training events. The Ambassador said she is proud that Bulgaria and the US are together in the Alliance.