SPD politicians in “ntv Frühstart”
Roth expects the pipeline to be shut down if the Russians invade
02/09/2022, 09:08 am
Unlike US President Biden, Chancellor Scholz avoids explicitly stipulating that no gas will flow through Nord Stream 2 if the Ukraine conflict escalates. Scholz’ comrade Roth, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, is certain that the pipeline would be affected.
The chairman of the foreign affairs committee in the Bundestag, Michael Roth, calls on Russia to take concrete steps to de-escalate the conflict with Ukraine and the West. President Putin must withdraw his soldiers from the border with Ukraine, Roth said on the ntv program “Frühstart”. Putin has repeatedly stated that he is not planning an attack. “Then it would be a correct and confidence-building sign if he withdraws the troops.” People in Ukraine felt concretely threatened. The same applies to the Baltic States and Poland. However, Roth did not want to make the troop withdrawal a condition for negotiations on a solution to the conflict.
In order to find a peaceful solution, the security interests of all parties involved must be adequately taken into account. First of all, this means that the states in Eastern Europe are sovereign and free to choose their alliance. “There can only be a security architecture for Europe if it is also supported by our partners, who currently feel threatened by Russia,” said Roth. Russia must return to the principle of peaceful coexistence. “We want peace and understanding with Russia, but not at any price.”
Roth proposes new offers to Ukraine. “I could imagine that there is definitely a stronger connection to the European Union.” The EU is not primarily a military, but a political and economic alliance. In turn, one could talk to Russia about disarmament and arms control.
“The danger is still there”
The SPD politician made it clear that the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline would be history in the event of war. “Should there really be another military escalation by Russia in Ukraine, the consequences will be very painful. And Nord Stream 2 will be one of them.” However, he defended Chancellor Scholz, who again did not want to say so during his visit to Washington. “It’s not about how often you say it, it’s about doing it.” It has been agreed with US President Biden and the previous government that it would be completely unimaginable to stick to the pipeline project if Russia invaded.
In addition, during Scholz’s visit to Washington, it became clear that Germany stands by Ukraine and that Putin is not succeeding in dividing the West, Roth said. Despite the negotiations, he still does not believe that the risk of war has been averted. “The danger is still there.” President Putin continues to arm himself with more and more combat-ready soldiers on the Ukrainian border.