South Stream Project 'Not Frozen' - Parliament Speaker

Bulgarian Parliament Speaker Mihail Mikov argued Prime Minister Oresharski had been misinterpreted when speaking about South Stream.

Mikov told the Bulgarian National Radio the construction of the pipeline had not been halted. He added that Plamen Oresharski could not have stopped the project, as he does not possess the competences to do so with a private company like South Stream.

"South Stream is a joint venture of the Bulgarian Energy Holding and Gazprom. If it works in compliance with the law, it is performing its duties, all the rest is political talk. I don't see how in a state ruled by the law [such projects] could be stopped with a mere statement," Mikov explained.

Mikov's comments come days after Oresharski announced Sunday Bulgaria was to freeze the South Stream pipeline project until it meets EU norms. He announced the decision after the EU Commission launched an infringement procedure against Bulgaria earlier during the week, citing irregularities around the project.

The Parliament Speaker nevertheless said he did not think an infringement procedure targeting Sofia was under way.

He also denied that any violations could have taken place.

More details around the project are expected later this week after Deputy Prime Minister Daniela Bobeva surprisingly announced Oresharski was to reveal "everything" about South Stream while in Parliament on Friday.

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