site.btaRussian Ambassador Does not Rule Out Talks on Revisiting South Stream Project

Russian Ambassador Does not Rule Out Talks on Revisiting South Stream Project

Rousse, February 20 (BTA) - During a visit to the Danubian city of Rousse on Monday, Russian Ambassador Anatoli Makarov said that Bulgaria and Russia will implement joint economic projects and that he hopes the formation of the next Bulgarian government to be followed by the start of talks on many of them. He sees a big interest in the energy sector and does not rule out revisiting the South Stream gas pipeline project.

"If this is your national interest, a solution will be found. Let's work together. Nothing will be done by force," Ambassador Makarov said when he was asked if he is optimistic about a revival of suspended bilateral projects.

In the recent years Bulgaria abandoned as unfeasible or for other reasons three major energy projects with Russian participation: South Stream, the Belene N-plant and the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project.

Makarov said that an idea is being considered for opening a ferry link between Russia and Bulgaria at Novorossiysk and Varna or Bourgas. "Maybe we will discuss this idea with the new government," the diplomat said.

Makarov said that bilateral political dialogue has recently been at a very low level and he hopes that this will change.