Sofia Globe: Bulgarian PM coy on South Stream, gas deal talks ongoing

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov did not confirm, on November 13, reports in Bulgarian language media that he would attend the South Stream groundbreaking ceremony next month; meanwhile, talks on the long-term gas deliveries deal with Gazprom were still ongoing with two days left before the signing date.

Last week, Bulgaria’s Cabinet approved, in principle, the framework final investment decision on South Stream, but linked the issue to the new long-term gas deliveries contract with Gazprom. The current deal expires at the end of the year.

The two contracts – the final investment decision on South Stream’s Bulgarian stretch and the gas deliveries deal – are to be signed on November 15, during a visit to Sofia by Gazprom chief executive Alexey Miller.

The signing was initially scheduled for earlier in November, with Russian president Vladimir Putin in attendance. After he cancelled the trip, it was interpreted by Bulgarian observers as a sign that negotiations had stalled; Putin’s spokesperson later confirmed reports in international media that Russia’s president was suffering from an old sports injury.  MORE