Bulgarian FM Firm in Criticism of Belene NPP Deal

Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Traicho Traikov (L) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Mladenov (R). Photo by BGNES

Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Mladenov has confirmed his negative position on the contract signed Tuesday with Russian Atomstroyexport to continue negotiating the Belene NPP project.

Speaking in an interview for TV7, Mladenov effectively stayed in the camp of Minister of Economy and Energy Traicho Traikov who requested the ousting of National Electric Company manager Krasimir Parvanov, who signed the contract.

PM Boyko Borisov and vice-PM and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov have on the other hand stated that the contract signed is non-binding and is beneficial for Bulgaria, thus supporting Parvanov's actions.

"It is unacceptable to act in conflict with the instructions of your superior," said FM Mladenov Saturday, referring to the fact that Minister Traikov had instructed Parvanov not to sign that particular formulation of the contract.

Minister Mladenov also stood behind his prior characterization that the whole situation is "trash," or a very serious quagmire.

He also added that it is the cabinet who is responsible for the state of things around Belene.

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