Growing Russian-Bulgarian gas row

In a growing row between Russia and Bulgaria over gas supplies, Moscow has accused the Bulgarians of attempting to jeopardise its relations with other countries.

Moscow's accusation follows alleged threats by the Bulgarians that they might reduce the volume of Russian transit gas destined for other countries if Russia's state-owned Gazprom company cuts supplies to Bulgaria.

Gazprom's threat to halt supplies has been prompted by Bulgaria's refusal to agree to a new supply deal with Russia for this year.

Bulgaria's main reservations are that tariffs are too high, and that Gazprom insists on negotiating through a private Russian-Bulgarian intermediary company.

Bulgaria alleges that this company is controlled by pro-Russian groups.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service