Regional authorities in Sofia begin dismantling a towering Soviet-era monument prominently featuring a soldier following years of controversy between Bulgaria's opposing camps of pro-Europeans and Russophiles. Officials cite security reasons for taking down the monument, with experts reporting major cracks in the structure. Once considered Moscow's staunchest ally, EU and NATO member Bulgaria still has many monuments glorifying the Soviet era. Since the fall of the communist regime in 1989, there have been repeated calls for their destruction but public opinion remains divided. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES