United States Secretary of State on Nord Stream 2. “Bad idea”. He wants to pressure Germany to stop construction

In his first meeting with NATO foreign ministers, the new foreign minister United States of America Anthony Blinken strongly criticized the Russian-German gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 in Brussels on Tuesday (March 23, 2021), and warned that Washington may impose new sanctions on entities involved in the investment.

President (Joe) Biden explained that he thought the pipeline was a bad idea. “It is bad for Europe and bad for the United States,” Blinken told a news conference at NATO headquarters. He stressed that the project “is inconsistent with the European Union’s energy security objectives” and “may undermine the interests of Ukraine, Poland and many other partners.”

Blinken indicated that he would raise the issue in talks with the head of German diplomacy, Heiko Maas. – I am sure I will have the opportunity to shed light on this, including the issue of law in the United States, which requires us to impose sanctions on companies involved in efforts to complete the pipeline – he said.

Russia’s Geopolitical Project

The new foreign minister United States of America Participates in a two-day meeting of heads of diplomacy NATO In Brussels. This is his first official trip to Europe. Bilateral meetings are also scheduled, including with MAS.

The new administration in Washington wants to repair the strained relations with Europe and NATO partners during Donald Trump’s presidency. However, in Nord Stream 2 So far the policy of the previous administration continues. Last week, Blinken called for “every stakeholder” for an immediate withdrawal from the controversial investment. He described Nord Stream 2 as “a geopolitical project.” RussiaWhich aims to divide Europe and undermine European energy security. “

Nord Stream 2. “white collar economic excitement”

Calls for new sanctions

But Republicans accused the Biden administration of not pursuing harsh measures and new sanctions targeting the Russian-German gas pipeline. They also warned Biden against trying to reach an agreement with the Germans in this regard.

So far, the Americans have imposed sanctions only on the Russian company KVT-RUS, the owner of the “Fortuna”, which supplies the lost section of the offshore gas pipeline. The decision was made before the end of the term of office Donald Trump.

The German government believes that the US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 are incompatible with European sovereignty. Despite political tensions with Moscow, Berlin still believes the gas pipeline is a purely economic project that must be completed.

Why does Germany want Nord Stream 2? “Many politicians believe that Russia should not be isolated.”

Ożywimy NATO

In a more conciliatory tone, Blinken spoke of intra-NATO cooperation – I came here to affirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to NATO – he said before meeting with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg – that the United States wants to rebuild partnership relations, primarily with our NATO allies, We want to revive the alliance – he added.

AFP, RTR / widz

The article comes from the site The German Wave.