Bulgarian PM: Russia seeks alternative ways for the transit of gas

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It is unacceptable the whole of Europe to become hostage of the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine.

This claimed the Bulgarian prime minister Sergei Stanishev after the end of the meeting between the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Russia, Moldova and Slovakia in Novo Ogariovo residence, which continued more than an hour.

We cannot be mediators in the trade dispute between Russia and Ukraine, in their relations.
This was clearly stated also by the whole European union, because both sides have obligations under contracts and they should find a way to fulfill them, said also Stanishev.

According to the Bulgarian prime minister, he has seen the good will and desire of the Russian prime minister Putin concrete technological measures to be sought for the countries from Southeast and Central Europe, because they are the most affected by the gas crisis.

Stanishev noted as well that Slovakia was in an easier position since the country could be supplied with gas from Belarus, Poland and Germany.

The meeting with the Gazprom leadership will continue with the specific talks for the possibilities. The Russian side is ready to make swap deals. Those amounts, which Ukraine could supply as its own obligation to the transit will be delivered to the country.

According to Stanishev the dispute between Ukraine and Russia should be resolved as fast as possible because both countries are losing points in their political image as reliable supplier and transitioner.

This, no doubt, will be analyzed by the whole European Union, commented the Bulgarian prime minister.

Stanishev and the led by him delegation will visit the Central dispatch center of Gazprom. The visit will be followed by a meeting with the Russian president Medvedev in Meindorf residence. Later, the Bulgarian prime minister and the led by him delegation will fly to Kiev to continue the talks with the Ukrainian prime minister Julia Timoshenko.

I am going to Kiev, because they are obliged to fulfill their transit duties. We are not mediators and we cannot control, especially in a previous period, who hasn't done what, said Sergei Stanishev.