(Full Size) Photo© U.S. Embassy

DCM Karagiannis Talks about the U.S. Electoral System in Sofia

Deputy Chief of Mission Alexander Karagiannis talked about the U.S. Electoral System at a discussion on “U.S. Presidential Elections 2008: Sofia Perspective” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce on October 16. DCM Karagiannis explained the mechanisms of the Electoral College, the uniqueness of the current presidential elections, and the expectations that both Europe and the United States may have of one another. Alexander Karagiannis said that America will ask more from its friends in terms of the challenges lying ahead of us because “we have to consult together, we have to coordinate together, and we have to take actions together.”  (more photos)

(Full Size) Photo© U.S. Embassy

Bulgarian and American Soldiers host distinguished guests as Bulgarian Panther 08 Wraps up at Novo Selo TA

Deputy Chief of Mission Alexander Karagiannis and the Commanding General of U.S. Army, Europe and Seventh Army Gen. Carter Ham receive a traditional welcome from a little girl at the kindergarten in the village of Mokren, near Novo Selo Training Area, during the Distinguished Visitors’ Day on October 15, 2008.  The kindergarten was renovated with U.S. funding by U.S. and Bulgarian soldiers in July, 2008, as part of the first training rotation in the training area.  The seven-week joint Bulgarian – American training, called “Bulgarian Panther 2008” began in August and aimed at improving interoperability and the capabilities of the two allied forces.  Bulgaria and the United States signed in 2006 a Defense Cooperation Agreement on the shared use of several military facilities on Bulgarian territory. The U.S. troops training at the shared military bases are known as Joint Task Force East. (more photos)

(Full Size) Photo© U.S. Embassy

Twenty-five Americans Take Oath as New Peace Corps Volunteers in Bulgaria

On October 9, 2008, twenty-five Americans were sworn-in by U.S. Ambassador Nancy McEldowney as the twenty-fourth group of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Bulgaria.  These new Peace Corps Volunteers will serve in 25 towns and villages throughout Bulgaria as community developers in municipalities, non-profit organizations, and social institutions.  In her address to the new group of volunteers, Ambassador McEldowney said “the Peace Corps steps beyond boundaries and geography, beyond the boundaries of politics and culture, and it brings people together in genuine friendship and genuine understanding.”  The Ambassador praised the volunteers for stepping forward to serve their country, to serve Bulgaria, and “to serve a greater good around this world that will build partnership and will build mutual understanding.” (more photos)
 Remarks by Ambassador McEldowney

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Ambassador McEldowney Discusses Future Global Challenges and Highlights Successes with Atlantic Club

On October 8, Ambassador McEldowney gave her inaugural speech in Bulgaria at a meeting of the Atlantic Club.  She discussed many of the challenges she saw ahead in the world, but expressed optimism that Bulgaria and the United States can help confront those problems as strong allies and partners – especially in light of the many successes the two countries have already achieved.  Following the speech, the Ambassador answered questions from the overflow crowd in attendance, including questions from other members of the Atlantic Club, journalists, and from students from some of Sofia’s English-language high schools.
 Full-text of Ambassador McEldowney’s remarks, as delivered

2010 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Begins

The DV-2010 Lottery online entry begins on October 2, 2008, and ends on December 1, 2008.  You can register for the 2010 DV Lottery at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.  The DV-2010 Lottery Instructions are available in PDF format in English  http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/T1026V-DV-2010bulletin(3).pdf  (more)
  Instructions for DV-2010 Lottery in Bulgarian