A recently leaked diplomatic cable authored by former US ambassador to Sofia John Beyrle has described ex socialist Minister of Economy and Energy as an able politican entrenched in murky business ties.
"Ovcharov is an enigmatic and controversial figure - linked to corruption and Russian energy interests, but also to a more liberal economic policy than many of his Socialist colleagues would support," reads the secret cable regarding the former Bulgarian Socialist Party vice-chair and one of the key ministers of Sergey Stanishev's cabinet (2005-9).
"He has the political and mental juice to match the best players at the table, but keeps his cards close to his chest. In face-to-face meetings, he can be both charming and off-putting," writes ambassador Beyrle in his penetrating and nuanced style.
In a strong note of warning, the former American ambassador to Sofia counsels Ovcharov's direct US counterparts not meet him directly during a trip of the States he was making in 2007.
Beyrle substantiates that recommendation with Ovcharov's murky ties for which, according to the report, the words "conflict of interests" are an understatement.
Beyrle qualifies that remark, noting that although the socialist minister is deeply involved with Russian energy interests, he has done nothing to harm American companies.
More specifically, the report argues that Ovcharov is behind the signing of a 23-year natural gas delivery contract with Russian giant Gazprom on unclear terms.
As an addition to the contract, the author of the cable believes that Ovcharov committed Bulgaria to build its second NPP, the Belene NPP, by a consortium owned by Gazprom.
Beyrle further comments on the very good bilateral relations between the States and Bulgaria under Stanishev's cabinet and argues that Ovcharov's visit could be used to boost that, especially in terms of NATO commitments.
He also suggests that representatives of the US Department of Trade could influence Ovcharov to help bring closer the positions of the EU and the USA positions in the Doha talks.
"While we have no illusions that Bulgaria will be the key to resolving US-EU trade differences, Ovcharov's generally liberal outlook on markets and Bulgaria's newness as a EU Member State give us a perfect opportunity to start moving them into our corner," argues Beyrle.
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