Putin clinches key European pipeline deal

SOFIA (AFP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin clinched a key pipeline deal with Bulgaria on Friday that strengthens Moscow’s grip on European gas markets before issuing a stern warning about the future status of Kosovo.

Bulgaria and Russia agreed to build the so-called South Stream pipeline project, which will cross the Black Sea into Bulgaria and then split in two arms, one going northwest to Austria and the other south to Greece and then west to southern Italy.


It will strengthen Moscow’s grip as the leading supplier of gas to Europe and will rival EU plans for its own pipeline project, Nabucco, aimed at reducing the bloc’s dependence on Russian gas.

“The negotiations ended successfully for both parties. Bulgaria’s interests have been protected,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev said.

After sealing the agreement, Putin turned to the contentious issue of Kosovo’s independence during a joint press conference with Bulgarian President Georgy Parvanov.

“A unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo and its eventual support from the international community would be illegal and immoral and Russia cannot support such a solution to the problem,” Putin said on a the final day of a visit to Bulgaria.

AFP