site.btaGERB Leader Borissov Comments on British, US Waivers for Lukoil Entities in Bulgaria

Commenting on the news of temporary sanctions waivers by the UK and the US for Lukoil entities in Bulgaria, GERB leader Boyko Borissov said on Facebook late on Friday: "Whatever happened is over, things will now happen as they used to."

Borissov recalled that he said on Friday morning he hoped Bulgaria would receive a six-month exemption, similar to Germany's, from US sanctions on Lukoil, by the end of the day. In his Facebook post, he thanked the Cabinet team "with whom we worked out these decisions". He also thanked for the support of four of the parliamentary parties in that order: GERB-UDF, MRF-New Beginning, BSP - United Left, and There Is Such a People (TISP).

All but MRF-New Beginning are represented in the government led by GERB-UDF.

On Friday, the Bulgarian government appointed Rumen Spetsov as special commercial administrator to oversee Russian oil company Lukoil's four operations in Bulgaria. Up until now, Spetsov has been Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency.

With new US sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft due to take effect on November 21, Bulgaria amended its Act on Administrative Regulation of Economic Activities Associated with Oil and Petroleum Products at first and second reading on November 7, expanding the powers of the special commercial administrator of a critical infrastructure facility. The changes are intended to support Bulgaria's case in upcoming talks with the US regarding the sanctions.