Clinton Urges Bulgaria To Break Energy Dependence On Russia

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Bulgaria to break its energy dependence on Russia by diversifying its oil and gas supplies.

After talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, Clinton said that the United States is a partner in advancing Bulgaria's energy security and that a number of American firms are well-positioned to help.

She said that the U.S. government will send its special envoy for Eurasian energy issues, Richard Morningstar, to Bulgaria next week to discuss those issues with Bulgarian officials.

The United States has long been a proponent of alternative gas supply routes to Europe that would bypass Russia.

Bulgaria is almost totally dependent on Russian gas supplies.

Clinton flew to Bulgaria after attending an international security conference in Munich.

Compiled from agency reports