- Title: BELGIUM: EU asked to help Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya
- Date: 22nd June 2007
- Summary: MONUMENT AND VIGIL BELOW CAMPAIGNERS BADGE ON BULGARIAN MEP AHMED JUMACA, FATHER OF PALESTINIAN DOCTOR ACHRAF JUMMAA AND BULGARIAN NURSES RELATIVES STANDING IN FRONT OF THE MONUMENT FOR VIGIL MICHEL TAUBE HOLDING BANNER READING 'TOGETHER AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY' (French) PEOPLE AT THE VIGIL STANDING IN FRONT OF THE MONUMENT
- Embargoed: 7th July 2007 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Belgium
- Country: Belgium
- Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement
- Reuters ID: LVABJ2XAKOOSNFEF2QMKSS5JFUCV
- Story Text: The European Union is urged to intervene in the case of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor sentenced to death after being charged with infecting children in Libya with the HIV virus. Bulgaria said in Brussels on Thursday (June 21) it was doing its part to try and resolve the case of Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya in the case of HIV infected children.
A lawyer for the foreign medics said there were encouraging signs for a deal between an international fund and the families of the sick children.
But everyone remained cautious on the prospects of an accord which could in turn allow the release of the five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor found guilty by the Libyan court of infecting the children.
Libya's Supreme Court has scheduled a ruling in July on an appeal by the medics, convicted in December of infecting 426 children in a trial that has slowed OPEC member Libya's efforts to end its international isolation.
Families of the foreign medics, who have been sentenced to death for infecting the children with the virus that causes AIDS, urged European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday to help clinch a deal to end their "nightmare".
Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev told reporters the process of negotiations with the Libyan authorities and the Gaddafi foundation was permanent.
"Well there is a process of consultations with the Libyan authorities with the Gaddafi foundation and I appreciate the very deep involvement of the Commission, Commissioner Waldner, the German presidency, Mr Steinmeier who were recently in Tripoli. This is all very important, it helps Bulgaria a lot and it helps to come to a solution which is mutually acceptable which will bring finally the doctor and the nurses back home. But it's very important, it's very delicate as well, but we are working hard," said Stanishev
The EU's External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has been deeply involved in European efforts to produce an agreement with the families of the children.
Her office earlier said that talks were ongoing and signs encouraging.
"I do hope we are close to an agreement, I do hope so. But we are still working on it (question: any signs?) not yet but we are working still on it," said Fererro Waldner.
Sofia says it will not compensate the families, arguing that would be an admission of guilt. But it has set up a solidarity fund along with the EU and the United States to provide medical aid and financial support to the children and their relatives.
The association representing the families is seeking around 10 million euros (almost $14 million) for each family.
Relatives of the Palestinian doctor and four of the five nurses came to Brussels hoping to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, chairing a summit of EU leaders on Thursday and Friday, and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
A spokesman for the families of the infected children has said any financial deal agreed in coming days would not affect the Libyan Supreme Court's decision on July 11.
The court is widely expected to confirm the death sentences, a move that would leave the fate of the medics in the hands of Libya's High Judicial Council, a government-led body which has the power to commute sentences. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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