SOUTH STREAM PROJECT – MAIN TOPIC DURING LAVROV’S VISIT IN BULGARIA

Bulgaria confirmed that it is strongly interested in the realization of the ‘South Stream’ gas pipeline project in compliance with the European Union rules, said the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski on 7^th of July, following a meeting with the foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, who is on an official visit in Bulgaria.

Oresharski stated that catch up on the delays was achieved over the past year and there was a significant progress. He explained that the project was suspended as a result of a procedure initiated by the European Commission against Bulgaria.

Oresharski explained that Bulgaria had submitted comments on the issues raised by the European Commission. He assured that the presented arguments were good enough and he was optimistic they would be accepted.

Foreign Minister Lavrov remarked that Moscow did not divide governments and states on pro- and anti-Russian and that Russia wanted to work with all countries in a pragmatic manner.

The Russian minister met with Bulgaria’s President, Rosen Plevneliev to discuss the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Russia and topics of mutual interest. Minister Lavrov also had a meeting with the Bulgarian Foreign Minister, Kristian Vigenin, at which they discussed the ‘South Stream’ project.