Russia's Narishkin 'Did Not Plan' Bulgaria Visit in May

Russian Parliament Speaker Sergei Narishkin did not intend to visit Bulgaria in May, the Deputy Head of the State Duma's administration said on Wednesday.

Yury Shuvalov told Echo Moskvy radio that an official meeting of Narishkin with officials in Bulgaria had first been planned for the beginning of May, but was moved to a later date.

In March, media reports suggested that Narishkin, who has been blacklisted by the European Union over Russia's response to the Ukrainian crisis, is to visit the country.

Government officials confirmed preparations for a meeting had been under way and later announced it could take place despite the European measures.

On Tuesday evening, however, Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry announced that it could not take place after the EU's decision to impose sanctions (including a travel ban) on Narishkin which were mandatory for member states.

Shuvalov commented on the issue by adding that Bulgarian diplomats were acting "like zombies" and were surprising their Russian partners with such conduct. He also said Moscow politicians were "disappointed" with their counterparts and expressed hope they would "correct" their mistake.

The Russian official however asserted the incident would not harm relations between the two countries.

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