The US government officially waives sanctions against the operating company of the controversial Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2 and its German managing director. In a report sent to the US Congress on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (59) writes that waiving the punitive measures is “in the national interest of the US”.
In the report available to the AFP news agency, it is said that the Switzerland-based Nord Stream 2 AG and its managing director Matthias Warnig are involved in activities that violate a US sanctions law. The imposition of punitive measures would have “negative effects on the relationship between the USA and Germany, the European Union and other European allies and partners.”
Doing without creates space for discussions
The waiver of sanctions would also create space for diplomatic talks with the German government on “risks that a completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline would pose for Ukraine and European energy security,” the report says.
In addition to Warnig, the exception rule includes the entire management of Nord Stream 2. The subsidiary of the Russian energy giant Gazprom, based in the city of Zug, is responsible for the planning, construction and subsequent operation of the pipeline, which is almost completed.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Blinken reaffirmed that the US government was “steadfast” against the pipeline project. “We will continue to oppose the completion of this project, which would weaken European energy security and the energy security of Ukraine and the eastern flank of NATO and EU countries.”
According to Blinkens, sanctions are to be imposed on several Russian ships and companies involved in the construction of the pipeline, as well as a Russian authority.
The US government is strictly against the 1200 kilometer long Baltic Sea tube, which is intended to significantly increase the capacity for Russian natural gas deliveries to Germany. US President Joe Biden (78) argues, like his predecessor Donald Trump (74), that Germany and Europe would become increasingly dependent on Russia and harm Ukraine, the gas transit country. (AFP)