Bulgaria Defense Minister Unwavering in War with President

Bulgaria's Defense Minister, Anyu Angelov (pictured), accuses the President of leaving the country without a military intelligence head over his overblown ego. Photo by BGNES

The long-term goal of President, Georgi Parvanov, is to have his mole in the military intelligence services, Bulgaria's Defense Minister, Anyu Angelov, declared Wednesday.

Angelov spoke after the conclusion of the Council of Ministers meeting when it became clear the cabinet withdrew Commodore Valentin Gagashev 's nomination for head of the country's military intelligence.

The Minister stated he would not give in, and vowed to have an outside, independent individual at the post.

On August 17, Parvanov, who is also Commander in Chief, blocked Defense Minister, Anyu Angelov's candidate Gagashev, after blocking earlier another choice of the Minister – Dincho Karamunchev, thus leaving the intelligence services without a head for months.

"I cannot keep a general hostage for three months over the lack of desire and the procrastination of the Presidential Office," Angelov said, pointing out a general cannot stay without an appointment for more than three months.

Gagashev was approved by the cabinet for the post, but on Wednesday the Council of Ministers proposed his appointment as a Deputy Commander of the Joint Operational Command and bestowed him with the military "Rear Admiral" title.

"We now have two options – either to have a temporary head of military services until Parvanov's term expires or to have the State's interest prevail over the President's ego," Angelov said.

No new nomination has been put on the table as of now.

Since September 1, military intelligence is headed by Gen. Detelin Mazhgurov, who is in charge temporarily.

The whole issue arose after Gen. Plamen Studenkov retired from the post in July.

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