The reaction of Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev to the latest corruption controversy in the country involving Economy Minister Roumen Ovcharov was adequate and sent a positive message to Europe, Interior Minister Roumen Petkov said.

After Stanishev learned about Ovcharov’s involvement in the scheme, he asked the Economy Minister to take a leave until investigation of the case ends.

Petkov commented on Stanishev’s decision after his return from Brussels, where he discussed Bulgaria’s fight against corruption and the specific case.

Bulgaria did everything possible to meet European Commission requirements on such investigations, Petkov said. Investigators were exact in their work, he said.

To show Bulgaria’s openness to European institutions Petkov and Prosecutor-General Boris Velchev asked the EC to send one expert to monitor investigation in the country.

This person will not carry any responsibility but will receive information on each step of the investigation process, Petkov said. Bulgarian authorities will be fully responsible, which was made clear to justice commissioner Franco Frattini, he said.