Interviewed by the "Imerisia" Greek newspaper Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev took a stand in favor of creating stable democratic institutions in Kosovo and for supporting the European prospects of Serbia and the other countries in the Western Balkans.

Stanishev stressed it is very important that the EU give a clear prospect for membership of the countries in the Western Balkans. He said Croatia has advanced a lot and stands a real prospect of joining the EU. Serbia has signed a stabilization and association agreement with the EU and Bulgaria, Greece and Romania bear a big responsibility to give precedence to the issue, the Bulgarian Prime Minister said.

Stanishev said Kosovo cannot be used as a "bargaining chip". The region de facto is a "lost cause" for Serbia and the Serb politicians understand this, Stanishev said in the interview,
adding that unfortunately Serbia is paying for mistakes from the past. He said Kosovo should be helped build a working market economy, develop relations and protect minorities.

According to Stanishev, the countries in the Balkans have many reasons for opposition but this is a dead end and a lost game.

Stanishev said that unless Macedonia finds a solution to the problem with its name, the country will not receive an invitation to join NATO which in turn would create many internal problems and will not be in the interest of the stability in the region.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister said that Turkey should solve its internal problems so as to be able to meet the EU membership criteria.

He urged for a common energy policy of the EU to reduce its dependence on oil and natural gas.
Stanishev noted there is no clash of interest and no problems with the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline and that the project, as well as the two other energy projects, South Stream and Nabucco, are necessary for the EU.