Bulgarian telecommunication sale talks suspended

Bulgaria has broken off negotiations over the sale of a controlling stake in the state telecommunications company to a Greek-Dutch consortium.

The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister, Petar Zhotev, said that legal amendments cited by the bidder would harm Bulgaria's talks with Brussels about joining the European Union.

He also gave national security as a reason, although he did not elaborate.

The negotiations have been going on for several months, with the consortium initially agreeing to pay £600m for a controlling stake in the Bulgarian company.

Mr Zhotev said that another attempt would be made next month to privatise the company, with other potential buyers indicating an interest in bidding.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service