Zhelev bows out after primary

SOFIA - President Zhelyu Zhelev of Bulgaria, one of eastern Europe's veteran reformers, said yesterday he would not seek re-election…

SOFIA - President Zhelyu Zhelev of Bulgaria, one of eastern Europe's veteran reformers, said yesterday he would not seek re-election in an upcoming presidential contest following his weekend defeat in a US style primary election.

A little known lawyer, Mr Petar Stoyanov, beat Mr Zhelev in Europe's first primary election on Saturday by a margin of two to one to become the presidential candidate of Bulgaria's anti communist opposition.