CESI joins efforts of European actors to obtain the release of Bulgarian nurses imprisoned in Libya

CESI is pleased to note the initiative organised jointly today, 19th april 2007, by the European Movement, of which it is a member, and the main European political groups to obtain the release of the Bulgarian nurses imprisoned in Libya. For Helmut Mullers, CESI General Secretary, “with the verdict due in a few days’ time, it is crucial to show our support to the detained nurses as well as affirm the fundamental values of European democracy, such as the respect for human rights, the right to a fair trial and the rejection of the death penalty”.

CESI President Valerio Salvatore has just returned from Bulgaria, where he spoke up for the prisoners to political actors and the media. As an expression of solidarity towards the nurses, he has asked CESI’s affiliates to wear the ribbon bearing the colours of the Bulgarian flag distributed by the support campaign “You are not alone” on the day when Libya’s supreme court announces its verdict, explaining that “this symbolic gesture should demonstrate the support of the eight million European workers represented by CESI for the five imprisoned nurses and doctor”.

Questions and contact:
Jurgen Noack
Tel.: +32(0)2 282 18 76
E-mail: noack@cesi.org

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CESI welcomes Promyana from Bulgaria as new member

At its meeting on 15 December, 2006, CESI’s Board unanimously agreed to the Bulgarian trade union Promyana joining CESI. Promyana was established in 1997 and currently brings together 39 trade unions and professional associations.

The Bulgarian delegation was made up of Velichka Romanova, Dimitar Gueorguiev and the President, Dimitar Dimanov. Following the vote, the latter observed: "We came as guests and leave as a new member of the family of independent trade unions."

CESI General Secretary Helmut Mullers also expressed how pleased he was to welcome Promyana: "Just days before Bulgaria joins the EU, we can extend our base in this new Member State. We want to play an active role in helping our Bulgarian colleagues to successfully complete the further period of adjustment as well as play our part in ensuring that trade union rights and trade union pluralism continue to be upheld in Bulgaria. The same applies to Romania. The Board has therefore agreed to commence affiliation negotiations with the Romanian trade union CSN Meridian."

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