PM Defends Annex to Belene Agreement, Tells Off Energy Minister
The Executive Director of the National Electric Company (NEK), Krassimir Purvanov, signed documents with Russia's AtomStroyExport on construction of a nuclear power plant at Belene as instructed by Deputy Prime Minister Simeon Djankov, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Wednesday, adding that Purvanov had not been fired.
"This is the second and last time I have reprimanded Minister Traikov. There won't be a third time," Borissov said.
On Tuesday Traikov said NEK's director signed Annex 12 to the 2006 agreement on Belene earlier that day committing the sides to initial a final agreement on the plant's construction by June 1, 2011. Shortly after that, Traikov fired Purvanov for "grossly exceeding his negotiating mandate" by binding Bulgaria to finalize the Belene deal within two months. /Source: BTA/