site.bta Energy Ministers of Bulgaria, Russia Discuss South Stream over the Phone

Energy Ministers of Bulgaria, Russia Discuss South Stream over the Phone

Sofia, December 19 (BTA) - Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenouzhka
Petkova discussed the South Stream gas pipeline project with
her Russian counterpart Alexander Novak over the phone on
Friday. This transpired in an Energy Ministry statement which
quoted Petkova as saying that Russia is an important partner for
Bulgaria in the development of its energy sector.

The two ministers discussed important aspects of bilateral
cooperation in the energy sector, the Ministry also said.

Petkova briefed Novak on Bulgaria's official position on South
Stream, telling him that it is an important project to Bulgaria
from the view point of diversification of the routes for supply
of natural gas and because of the expected economic recovery and
job creation in the construction and operation of the pipeline.


She was adamant that the project should be implemented in
keeping with the EU rules.

Petkova briefed Novak on the idea for creating a gas
distribution hub near Varna, on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast,
where the offshore pipe of South Stream was designed to come
ashore.

The idea was presented to the European Commission by Prime
Minister Boyko Borissov during his visit to Brussels earlier
this week.

Novak told Petkova that Russia has not seen an official proposal
from the European Commission for a gas hub in Bulgaria and is
ready to consider it when it gets it.

He also said that Bulgaria needs to issue the soonest possible
all requisite permits for the offshore section of the gas
pipeline.

Petkova explained that the procedure is underway, that some of
the documents have been issued and the rest will be issued
shortly.

The Bulgarian Energy Minister also said that Bulgaria has not
been notified officially of Russia's decision about South Stream
and that this is important for Bulgaria, especially in the
context of the strategic partnership between the two countries
in the energy sector.

The two ministers agreed that deepening dialogue on these
matters is essential for clarifying all aspects of the South
Stream project and its implementation to the best interest of
Russia and the EU.

Finally, Minister Novak was invited to visit Bulgaria at his
convenience for further discussion on these and other matters of
shared interest.