Caretaker Prime Minister Marin Raykov has assured Russia's Ambassador to Sofia Yuriy Isakov that Bulgaria has a responsible attitude towards the implementation of the South Stream gas pipeline project.

Following Raykov's statement last week that Bulgaria would request a new analysis whether South Stream met EU requirements, on Monday Raykov emphasized the importance of the project for Bulgaria and the entire region

Raykov, as cited by the press office of the Foreign Ministry, underscored that Bulgaria would insist on parity in staff hiring and transparency in the selection of a financial institution for the construction of the pipeline.

"We shall insist that the construction of the gas pipeline encompass the designing and the construction of the Bulgarian section, as well as transparency in the selection of a financial institution, and the observance of Bulgarian and European legislation in the sphere of public procurement," Raykov said.

Raykov also pointed out that Bulgaria and Russia were strategic partners and enjoyed lasting and special relations.

Isakov, in turn, stressed the importance of the project for Russia and expressed willingness for talks on all details concerning the implementation of South Stream.

On April 10, Raykov demanded a detailed, in-depth analysis of Bulgaria's investment decision for the construction of the domestic section of the South Stream gas pipeline.

Bulgaria's caretaker Prime Minister noted that the report had to shed light on the compatibility of the gas pipeline project with the EU's third energy liberalization package to prevent future penalties.