Bulgarian PM says sacks energy minister in graft row

SOFIA, June 2 (Reuters) Bulgaria's prime minister sacked his energy minister and another minister today to spur reforms in the European Union newcomer.

The move aims to ensure Brussels that the Balkan country is serious about fighting high-level graft and organised crime ahead of a crucial EU report later this month that will assess Sofia's reform progress.

Sergei Stanishev said Economy and Energy Minister Rumen Ovcharov was leaving office after he was implicated in a graft row that eroded support and prompted a limited reshuffle in the government that took office almost two years ago.

''Given the public attitude, a strong moral gesture was needed. Minister Ovcharov tended his resignation and I accepted it,'' Stanishev told a news conference.

He said he also dismissed Justice Minister Georgi Petkanov, who tendered his resignation earlier this week, complaining of lack of funds that hindered the judicial reform.

REUTERS SG RK1729