Ruse Horse

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and commander of American troops in Europe, General James Jones, arrived Tuesday on a two-day visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Chief of Army Staff Gen Nikola Kolev. The future stationing of US bases in the Balkan country will top the agenda of General Jones, who is scheduled to visit eligible units and sites on the territory of the country, including the firing field at Novo Selo and the air base at Bezmer. Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are favorite destinations for hosting US bases. At the end of 2003 Bulgaria's Parliament expressed support for the future stationing of US bases in the Balkan country. The Black Sea port of Bulgaria, which became full-fledged NATO member in April last year, has already been used by the US army during the Iraq war. General Jones last visited Bulgaria a year ago when he highly assessed the reforms in Bulgaria's army as well as the work of the Balkan country's military forces participating in NATO peacekeeping missions.

Ruse NATO Top Commander Eyes Bulgarian Contenders for US Bases