AFP: Sofia backs Moscow in U-turn on gas pipeline

Russia and Bulgaria pressed the EU on Monday to approve the controversial South Stream gas pipeline, a project that would bypass Ukraine and which Brussels views critically.

Having suspended preparations for the project last month at the height of the crisis between Moscow and Kiev, EU member Bulgaria changed tack to row back in behind the Russians.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference in the Bulgarian capital that "we hope the European Commission will adopt a reasonable approach ... without political considerations."

Meanwhile Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Orecharski voiced optimism that Brussels would accept "the very good arguments" in favour of going ahead with South Stream's Bulgarian section.
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