site.btaPrime Minister Borissov Wants to Normalize Relations with Russia

Prime Minister Borissov Wants to Normalize Relations with Russia

Sofia, July 1 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told journalists in Parliament on Friday that he has set a task to Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov to normalize Russia's extremely negative attitude towards Bulgaria if possible.

Foreign Minister Mitov is participating in a meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Sochi. On the sidelines of the forum he will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Borissov said he didn't want Bulgaria to be Russia's greatest enemy in the Balkans and to be bypassed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on their Balkan visits.

Borissov said that Bulgaria is pursuing a balanced policy in its foreign relations.

He added that there are outstanding issues between Bulgaria and Russia in regard to energy projects, relaxing the visa regime and sanctions.

Borissov said he was happy that Russia has understood that the EU and Bulgarian position is one and the same. From the latest statements of Russian leaders it seems that the they are aware that Europe makes the decisions and Bulgaria as part of the EU has to show solidarity. According to Borissov, the project for a gas hub in Bulgaria may be bundled with Nord Stream 2.

Of a demand by the European Commission for Bulgaria to sell a part of Bulgartransgaz, Borissov said that for a long time gas network operators in Europe have been privatized. Borissov said that the government has explained in detail to Commissioner Margrethe Vestager why it is anxious to avoid that and why it is dangerous for the country. He said that he has also explained that to EC President Jean Claude Juncker and EU President Donald Tusk. "We have suggested two or three alternatives such as separating operator and ownership and I hope that the Commission will accept them."