[20010713]98-627_保加利亚：国家背景报告.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-627 FUpdated July 13, 2001Bulgaria: Country Background Report-name redacted-Specialist in International RelationsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryIn June 2001, the party of Simeon II, Bulgarias former King from the pre-communist era, won just short of a majority of the vote in parliamentary elections.Simeon, who founded his party three months earlier, did not run for a seat in parliament,but nevertheless was nominated by his party on July 12 to become Prime Minister.Simeon II is the first ex-monarch to return to power in eastern Europe since World WarII. The Simeon II National Movement party replaces a center-right government thatachieved many significant economic reforms and consolidated Bulgarias pro-Westernorientation. Primary goals for Bulgaria remain full membership in NATO and theEuropean Union. U.S. Administrations and Congress have noted Bulgarias positive rolein promoting peace and stability in the Balkan region. This report will be updated asevents warrant.Background From the 14th to the 19th century, Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman emp