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USA: Bulgaria should watch its own interests in energy

Date: December 10^th 2009 Author: Anastasiya Georgieva Aleksandrova, Sofia Category: Articles
Topic: Electricity , Natural gas , Energy policy

“We see and appreciate the efforts of Bulgarian government to play an important role in the European energy policy. The actions which you are undertaking will increase your independence.” This was announced by the special ambassador of the USA on energy for Eurasia Richard Morningstar during his meeting with Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boiko Borisov and cited by the government informational agency.

Together with the Prime Minister, Richard Morningstar discussed the Nabucco and South Stream projects. He said that Bulgaria has the right attitude towards the projects and complimented the Borisov on his strong character that will, according to Morningstar, contribute to Bulgaria’s leading position in the energy policy of the region. Among the discussed issues were the visas for Bulgarian citizens and the fight against government corruption.

Later, at an official lunch in Sheraton Hotel, the American ambassador commented Bulgaria’s opportunities to participate in the pipeline projects. “Bulgarians should talk to Russians regarding the South Stream. There is no way to avoid it and yet, considering the country’s energy policy, I believe it is doing the right thing,” said Morningstar. He thinks that Bulgaria is active regarding the south energy corridor. Yet, he advised that it is important for Bulgaria to become the leader in the region and to work on the issues in the EU community.

As far as the opportunities for the U.S. companies to invest in Bulgaria are concerned, Morningstar said that there is an obvious possibility in the field of the nuclear power plants. He said that he is hoping that the American companies will express interest in the energy infrastructure as well. It is supposed that an interest may be expressed in the privatization of interconnectors. It will all depend on the investment climate, transparency and improvement development. He explained that one of the emphases during the conversations with Boiko Borisov and with the President Georgi Parvanov was that Bulgaria should act in its own interest. He pointed out that the States cannot come and say to Bulgaria what their interests are. Such decisions are made in Bulgaria and only by Bulgaria, no one else.

When asked whether the USA will use its authority to include Iran in the project Nabucco, Morningstar said that they do not believe that Iran should be a part of the project. They have tried to discuss the issue with Iran and if their disagreements, including the ones regarding Iran’s nuclear policy, are solved, then the U.S. will consider Iran appropriate to participate in Nabucco. Morningstar commented that this might even prove to be an incentive for them to make the necessary steps.

Morningstar commented that there are enough options for gas delivery for Nabucco, starting primarily with Azerbaijan. Yet, this will require an agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan regarding prices and gas transit. He said that this is being negotiated and he is hoping that an agreement will be reached in the near future. Besides, the project benefits from the gas potential of Turkmenistan but it cannot reach Europe if there is no understanding between Ankara and Baku. With regards to this, he pointed out Iraq’s position to provide half of the gas needed for Nabucco.

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