site.btaPresident Presents Former British Ambassador to Libya Anthony Layden with Honorary Medal

President Rumen Radev Friday awarded the Honorary Presidential Medal to Anthony Layden, British ambassador to Libya from 2002 to 2006. "The story of the rescue of the Bulgarian medics arrested in Libya will remain forever engraved in the annals of Bulgaria's modern statehood," said Radev.

The award was presented for Layden's exceptional services to Bulgaria, demonstrated through his personal commitment and professional contribution to the release of the Bulgarian nurses, the strengthening of friendly relations between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom, and the promotion of humanitarian and European values in international relations, the President's press secretariat said.

"More than two decades ago, Bulgaria experienced one of its most difficult national trials – the case against our medics in Libya. For years, six innocent Bulgarian citizens were deprived of their liberty on unjust charges. Their fate became a symbol of human suffering, but also of the unshakable belief that good and justice will prevail," said Radev. In his words, during those years, the Bulgarian people showed enviable unity, solidarity, and faith in justice. This unprecedented case became a test not only for Bulgaria, but also for the moral strength of the international community, he added.

"During this difficult period for us, Bulgaria was supported by true friends. Through people like Anthony Layden, Europe clearly demonstrated that European solidarity is not just a slogan, but is filled with deep meaning, interaction, mutual trust, and support in the name of human dignity. Ambassador Layden's mandate in Libya went far beyond the scope of his official duties. He became a true humanitarian cause, defending human life and justice. During those difficult, long years, when the fate of our compatriots seemed doomed, Ambassador Layden showed patience, courage, and genuine human compassion," the President added.

The head of State pointed out that as a diplomat and a person, Ambassador Layden showed that sometimes words, compassion, and dialogue can be stronger than political declarations.

With his professionalism, personal authority, and moral fortitude, he became a true bridge between two different cultures and value systems, between suffering and hope, Radev went on to say. "His wife, Josephine Layden, was always by his side. With her moral support and high level of erudition in communicating with the Libyan public, she contributed to building trust and, no less importantly, to resolving this humanitarian case," Radev noted.

"This medal is more than a symbol. It is a sign of recognition and respect for a man who showed that true diplomacy can be not only the art of words, but above all the art of humanity," Radev added.

For his part, Layden said that he personally does not feel that he deserves any special recognition. He said that he had had the opportunity to help at the time. He received a phone call of thanks from the medics after their release, and that was more than enough for him, he added.

Among those attending the ceremony were the Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tanya Mihaylova, British Ambassador to Bulgaria Nathaniel Copsey, former minister of foreign affairs Solomon Passy, and journalist Georgi Milkov.

The Bulgarian medics were arrested in Benghazi on February 9, 1999, and spent a total of 2,755 days in Libyan prisons. Nurses Nassya Nenova, Valentina Siropoulo, Valya Chervenyashka, Shezhana Dimitrova and Kristiyana Vulcheva, and Palestinian Dr Ashraf al Hadjudj, who later obtained a Bulgarian citizenship, were sentenced to death on charges of intentionally infecting 393 children with AIDS, and with behaviour contradicting Libya's laws and traditions. Following a massive EU-brokered diplomatic effort, the death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. On July 24, 2007, the Bulgarian medics were released from Judaida Prison in Tripoli and left for Sofia. Back in Bulgaria, the six were pardoned by the Bulgarian President.