Bulgarian FM Downplays EP's South Stream Resolution

The importance European Parliament's resolution demanding that the South Steam project be stopped "should not be exaggerated" Bulgaria's Foreign Minister said on Tuesday.

Vigenin described the document, which was voted last week, as a "result of the EP's emotional plea for a more rapid political and economic stabilization of Ukraine," as he was quoted by Dnevnik.bg as saying.

He underscored that, unlike many other issues, the South Stream gas pipeline project is a priority both for the government and the opposition.

Citing the 2009 gas crisis which followed a dispute between Moscow and Kiev as an example, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said instability in the region was among reasons for the lack of safety of energy supplies, but added that the South Stream was not a Ukrainian concern.

Vigenin's words come amid uncertainty among European Union member states over possible reactions to the standoff between Russia and Ukraine, which some suggest should involve expanding sanctions against Moscow.