The Bulgarian Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) have requested a meeting with the Energy Minister Traicho Traikov in order to discuss the energy negotiations between Bulgaria and Russia.

The right-wing party have expressed its concern that the PM Boyko Borisov might begin to realize the energy program of the President Georgi Parvanov.

DSB has also criticized the lack of transparency during the negotiations with Russia.

“You cannot talk about a trade secret when the Prime Minister is participating in the negotiation,” said Ivan Ivanov, deputy chair of DSB.

The democrats have also expressed their doubt about the Bulgarian government's fall back from its positions on the basic energy projects.

“Considering the fact that the Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko was visibly content and his country did not fall back from its position during the negotiations, then what did Bulgaria succumbed to and what is the price for that? The bargain chip might be the “Belene” nuclear power plant,” Ivanov said.

After excessive negotiations during the weekend, Bulgaria and Russia reached an agreement for lower prices of gas and for elimination of notorious intermediaries. They also signed a “Road Map” for South Stream gas pipeline project.

“What we have negotiated is just the beginning, not the end,” said Traikov Sunday, adding that there is still much to do in terms of fleshing out the agreements. Russia and Bulgaria have to negotiate the exact details for new contracts for delivery of gas by June 30, 2011. A deadline was set at August 10, 2010 for the Russian side to sent a first draft to Bulgaria. Talks are expected to continue through the summer.

Referring to Saturday's negotiations, Traikov said they were “normal and rational”, but the two parties needed time in order to reach common ground. He was confident the results are “good for Bulgaria.”

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