BULGARIAN CORRUPTION CHARGES

The son of Bulgaria's former leader Todor Zhivkov has denied accusations that he squandered millions of dollars of state money in Western casinos, according to the official state news agency. The BTA news service said Vladimir Zhivkov denied the charges in a letter read out on Bulgarian television Sunday night.

During Todor Zhivkov's 35-year rule, Vladimir and his late sister Lyudmilla were given senior government posts. But the family's regal status was shattered last month when Mr. Zhivkov was ousted by former foreign minister Petar Mladenov.