EconMin: Bulgaria Forced to Justify Actions of Previous Govts

Bulgarian Economy Minister Dragomir Stoynev has said his government was being held responsible for actions of previous governments regarding the South Stream project.

He hinted it was up to his predecessors, both in the center-right GERB cabinet and that of the so-called "three-way coalition" (BSP-DPS-NDSV), to oversee whether the Public Procurement Act was being complied with when dealing with issues around the pipeline.

The Minister confirmed, albeit reluctantly, Bulgaria's new position that construction activities on the pipeline should be stopped, as he said the government had "an obligation" to allay the EU Commission's doubts and concerns regarding the project.

Stoynev reminded that the deadline for Bulgaria's official reaction and response to an infringement procedure triggered by the EU Commission was July 4.

Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski announced Sunday Sofia was to freeze South Stream until the proceedings were under way and divided opinions within the ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

On Friday he said in Parliament he had asked Stoynev to halt the construction of the pipeline.

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