The dispute over the gas turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which has been smoldering for weeks, seems to have no end. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz again blames Russia for the delivery delays – after all, the turbine can be returned at any time, he assured. Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder showed the commissioning of Nord Stream 2 on Wednesday.
The turnkey turbine is still in Germany – “Someone just has to say I want it and it will be there very soon,” said Scholz during a visit to the turbine manufacturer Siemens Energy in Mülheim an der Ruhr, where the equipment stored since mid-July.
Russian apologies incomprehensible
The Russian energy giant Gazprom is responsible for this as owner. Russia has been supplying much less gas via the Baltic Sea pipeline for weeks, the reason being the lack of a turbine. Scholz turned this down. All the technical reasons put forward for a reduction in gas supplies are in fact incomprehensible.
Also on Wednesday, Russian gas supplies to Europe continued to flow at a reduced level through the Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 1 and Ukraine. This is evident from the operator data. The gas flow is thus at a comparable volume to the previous day.
Gazprom could meet obligations
“It is clear that nothing, absolutely nothing, stands in the way of further transport of this turbine and its installation in Russia,” emphasizes Scholz. “It can be transported and used at any time” – only the Russian transit information is still missing, says Scholz: “All other approvals are available.” Gazprom may fulfill its delivery obligations to Europe at any time without restrictions.
Schröder wants to activate Nord Stream 2
Gazprom, on the other hand, has repeatedly stated that documents from Germany to start the return transport were missing. Once again, the German ex-chancellor Schröder jumps on the side of the Russian argument. He pleaded with the “Stern” for the commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, the start of which has been suspended due to the war of aggression against Ukraine.
“She’s ready. If it gets really tight, there’s this pipeline and there wouldn’t be a supply problem with both Nord Stream pipelines,” his reasoning is similar to that of Russia.
Schröder: “I stick to my decisions”
Schröder also saw no reason to distance himself from Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I have repeatedly condemned the war, you know that. But would distancing personally from Vladimir Putin really do someone good,” the ex-chancellor said.
“Do I have to jump over every stick that is presented to me? I am not like that. I made decisions there and I stand by them, and I made it clear: maybe I can be useful again. So why should I apologize,” he said. he has no further need for action.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
