The Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Yuriy Isakov, and former Prime Minister and leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Sergey Stanishev, discussed Thursday the most important energy projects, the BSP press center informs.

The two have expressed their regret over the delay in the second Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Bulgaria's Danube town of Belene, the Russian gas line “South Stream,” and oil line “Burgas-Alexandroupolis.”

Isakov and Stanishev joined around the opinion this delay has negative effects on Bulgaria and on its competitiveness because they have been an unique chance for the country to increase its global and regional influence.

The Russian Ambassador also pointed out the number of Russian tourists to Bulgaria can increase significantly if Bulgaria would ease up its visa regime for them, similarly to neighboring Greece and Turkey.

Isakov further voiced disappointment from the attitude of the Bulgarian government and citizens towards Russian monuments in Sofia, giving as example the one in the “Lozenets” district, which had been spray-painted with anti-Russian, anti-Semite, and pro-Nazi slogans in the night of May 10.

The Ambassador told Stanishev that left-wing parties such as BSP usually care more and are more attentive towards historic legacy.

The socialist press center further informs that Isakov had asked many questions about the political situation in Bulgaria and listened carefully to Stanishev's answers.

Just one day ago, the Office of Bulgaria's Socialist President, Georgi Parvanov and Members of the Parliament from the opposition BSP demanded explanations from Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, about his Sofia talks last week with CIA Director, Leon Panetta and possible discussion of Bulgarian politics.

Borisov's Chief of Staff firmly rejects the allegations, but BSP, represneted by their Member of the Parliament and ex Interior Minister, Rumen Petkov, insist Borisov is telling lies about his dinner with Panetta.