The Russian Ambassador to Sofia, Yuriy Isakov, has stated late Tuesday that the project to build a second Nuclear Power Plant, NPP, in the Danube town of Belene is of strong interest for Bulgaria.

The comment was made before the correspondent of the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS and came on the heels of statements of Bulgaria's Energy and Economy Minister, Traicho Traikov, the agreements signed between the National Electric Company (NEK) and the Russian "Atomstroyexport" interfere with Bulgaria's national interests.

Because of these agreements, where there is a clause Bulgaria must sign a final contract on the project by June 30, 2011, regardless of the country's take on the price – acceptable or unacceptable, Traikov fired the NEK Director, Krasimir Parvanov.

"To me this is evidence that  in Bulgaria Russian pressure is sometimes stronger than the ability of some people to oppose it even though they have the task to protect national interests," Traikov said Tuesday, referring to Parvanov exceeding by far his authority when signing the contracts.

The Russian Ambassador tells ITAR-TASS, the Bulgarian Minister has acted too emotionally and in contradiction of the style of constructive dialogue between two sides regarding a certain project.

Meanwhile, Russian experts say Parvanov's ousting would not interfere with the work on the project and expect Belene's construction will continue.

An unidentified representative of "Rosatom" is quoted telling the Russian RIA Novosti the further construction will be carried out under a valid, full-pledged document.

The issue is going to be the focal point of the meeting of the Bulgarian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Partnership, which will be held in Moscow in the next few days.

At the same time, Traikov is heading a Bulgarian delegation, departing for the Russian capital later Wednesday to continue the negotiations on the NPP Project.

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