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SOT, Klaus Ernst, Chairman of Germany’s Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy (German): “I think this is erroneous because Nord Stream-2 is not the project of Putin, rather it is a project, where a lot of European companies take part and it should serve to assure the gas security of Europe. If one questions this project, it would resemble a self-punishment because of the situation in Russia. This is for sure not in the interest of Europe and Germany.”
“The first question is whether it is in general possible to stop it [Nord Stream-2]. If one decides to stop it, then there may be demands from companies for the recovery of losses addressed to those who has stopped the project and, in this case, it will be the German state. In my opinion, it can’t go like this. This is not something that you can explain German taxpayers. Secondly, it will affect gas prices because every taxpayer behind the project means that by us in Germany and in Europe the demand for gas is rising and other manufacturers in Germany and the European Union produce less gas.”
“By the way, we have been rational partners with Russia in the gas sphere for almost 50 the years. Earlier it was Soviet Union. It was Cold War when the project appeared – at that time we exchanged gas for pipes. If the project appeared during hard times, one should not question it, but make it clear that it is not a toy. One can’t use it as a weapon against the other side. It was never done by Russia regardless of the things happening and we should not do it [as well]. We should not use the energy supply of our citizens as a political weapon against Russia.”
“I think that there is enough pressure from the Americans and that is why we had, in the Bundestag, relatively unified opinion except for one fraction that… But even they have joined us, so we had a common opinion that it is unacceptable when Americans tell us how we should solve the issue of our own energy supplies. And that is why there is a strong resistance against the US sanctions that are introduced against companies and persons, who take part in the construction of the pipeline. It should not be like this. This is illegal in terms of international law and we discard it.”
“Well, we should clarify what actually has happened. And I don’t believe that the German government knows. Likewise, we as parliamentarians don’t know. But we know that some nerve agent was applied, I proceed from the premise that the analysis provided by the German clinic of German Armed forces [Charite] is correct, but we do not know who did it. On the other side, we know that this nerve agent is or is not any more the property of Russia, but of the other intelligent services, too. They said though that they have produced it in small amounts, what is by the way not permissible. But we know it. That is why, according to me, there is little evidence: the attack took place in Russia and against the critic of the system. In my opinion, it is too little evidence.”
“If we are talking about the poisoning with a nerve agent, a forbidden substance, then one should think about including the respective agency, which controls the use of poisonous gases in the whole world, in the investigation process. One should then wait for the results of the investigation, which should be conducted with full determination. It should be done in all directions and one should wait for its results.”
“If we ask Russia to conduct an optimal and right investigation, which I personally support, then we in Germany should hand over everything we know to those who conduct an investigation as it takes place in Russia, not in our country. This is logical. And if we want to get the results of the investigation, then we should give support [to the investigation].”
“First of all, I do not think that it is a case for NATO. This case should be discussed on the EU level, as eventually, it is the problem of Europeans. According to my view, we should clarify there how and in what form. If some reaction is needed, in what form it should occur. But I do not like the fact how fast we condemn states which are by the way treated with different standards. One should remember what Saudi Arabia did on the European territory and we have perfect economic relations with their representatives and even supply them military help. Then I ask myself, do we in Germany and Europe have unified standards, which would be equal to everyone without changing according to unclear motives.”
Video ID: 20200910-056
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