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Bulgaria, together with six other eastern European countries, were welcomed into NATO Friday as their national flags were hoisted for the first time at an official ceremony in front of Brussels headquarters.

Bulgaria's national flag was the first to be raised under the sounds of the national anthem. The moment brought tears of joy in the eyes of Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, one of the country's staunchest supporters for accession to the Alliance.

Bulgaria, together with six more former Soviet-dominated nations, became full-fledged NATO member in the most ambitious expansion in the Alliance history.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg was the first to submit the accession document to the US government in Washington March 29.

Jeremy Hill, who last week presented his credentials as UK ambassador to Bulgaria, spoke to VELINA NACHEVA about bilateral relations and the possibility of expanding business links.
What were your expectations when you arrived in Bulgaria, and what have been your initial impressions regarding Bulgaria since your arrival?

All NATO member states have deposited their enlargement ratification protocols in Washington, Alliance's Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer informed Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Solomon Passy with an official letter sent on Monday.

It has made the protocols enter into force and Bulgaria was officially invited by NATO's Chief to step into the Alliance as a full member as soon as the country also deposits its ratification protocol.

Bulgaria is on its way to turn into the Riviera on the Balkans, seeing a steady growth in recent years, according to Neli Sandalska, Deputy Chief of Bulgaria's Association of Tour Operators.

She stated on Wednesday that the 18-percent increased tourist flow to Bulgaria means 3,35 million tourists more have visited Bulgaria in 2003. The main contribution to the boost in the tourism sector is the development of sea and mountain tourism.

Bulgaria is one of Europe's fastest developing destinations, a report of the tourism commission with the European Union revealed on Tuesday. Its fast developing speed puts it ahead of Italy, according to Economy Ministry's latest data on tourism sector.

Bulgaria received the best financial framework in comparison with the other EU aspirants, which obliges us to act with due responsibility in spending the funds, Bulgaria's Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg underlined in a special speech in Parliament dedicated to the financial framework for Bulgaria over 2007-2009 suggested by the European Commission.

Rosemary Niblock, a secondary school teacher, worries about her children's financial security, like most mothers.

But she is the first to acknowledge that some of her fears are unfounded. Both children, Matthew, 29, and Sally, 30, think about pensions and their financial security even if some of their savings plans are unconventional.

Prof Nikolay Ovcharov granted unique archeological findings to the History Museum in Kardjali, southeastern Bulgaria. These are the three figurines of Orpheus Apollo and Dionysus, the Thracian Trinity dating back to second century BC, copies of once existing classic Greek statues. The figurines have been recently discovered in the foot of Perperikon hill. The head of the archeological expedition in the region - Prof Nikolay Ovcharov officially handed the precious finds to archeologist Daniela Kodjamanova, the museum funds manager.
This sculpture group is unique and will be among the finest exhibits in Kardjali History Museum, experts believe.

A picnic replaces expensive sea holidays. The most romantic are the places along the Iskar river and the village of Ribaritsa

An EUR 100 M golf complex will rise near Sofia, under a project carried out by Spaniards.

Ferry Group are hoping that the place could open next year.

In addition to the golf course, the Spanish company is planning to build a five-star hotel with swimming pool and bungalows. The complex will rise near the village of Katina, just north of Sofia.

That will be Bulgaria's fourth golf course, and the sport is already attracting notable interest.