site.btaRegional Minister: Archaeological Site Could Delay Strouma Motorway's Construction by Two Years

Blagoevgrad, Southwest Bulgaria, April 29 (BTA) - The Strouma Motorway's construction could be delayed by two years if the route is changed because of the ancient settlement of Skaptopara near the villages of Pokrovnik and Zelen Dol, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Nikolai Nankov told journalists here on Sunday.

According to him, an expert group has been put together which will make a decision about the case. The Motorway's speedy construction should not clash with the conservation, exhibition and socialization of the valuable ancient finds from the Roman settlement, Nankov said, adding that this is the reason why over eight million leva have been allocated for archaeological excavations along the Motorway's whole stretch.

"For about a week now we have been in constant touch with Culture Minister Boil Banov, because, being an ordinary person, I must listen to the experts," Nankov said, adding that he will fully trust the opinion of the Director of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum under the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, as well as the other experts.