Sofia, 20 February 1997 (RFE/RL) - Bulgaria's caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Sofianski today refused to comment on the safety of the Kozlodui nuclear power plant, saying only that the controversial facility should not be shut down.
Sofianski's energy minister, Georgi Stoilov, said yesterday that Kozlodui is "highly dangerous," despite improvements made during the past few years.
The state news agency, BTA, quoted Stoilov as telling a ministry meeting that the risk from the Soviet-designed equipment was "above the socially acceptable limits." It is the first time a top official has publicly admitted risks from the plant.
Our correspondent in Sofia quotes Sofianski as saying today that he has not discussed Kozlodui with Stoilov. The energy minister has not been available for comment since his remarks were reported.