UPDATE2: Kremlin sees no risks of Germany blocking Nord Stream-2

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MOSCOW/BERLIN/SOLNECHNOGORSK, Moscow Region, Sep 7 (PRIME) -- The Kremlin does not see risks of Germany blocking Russia-led Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.

“We are monitoring these statements. So far we see that for each such new statement (to stop the project) there are two statements that speak of the absurdity of such proposals,” Peskov said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier that the Nord Stream-2 pipeline construction will be completed and should not be linked to suspected poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, while some German politicians called for halting the project.

Steffen Seibert, an official representative of the German government, said it was early to speak about any conclusions in the Navalny case.

“I ask for your understanding on the question that today it is too early to accurately answer this question,” Seibert said when asked about possible suspension of the Nord Stream-2 project.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that the Nord Stream-2 pipeline will be built despite all difficulties.

“Firstly, this is a long-term project, we cannot, on the basis of a momentary drop in demand, say that such infrastructure projects are no longer needed. This is a long-term project for many decades,” Novak said.

“Natural gas remains in the energy balance of the most important sources, its share will grow, even despite the transition to more renewable energy sources. We still see the preservation of the great potential of natural gas. This project, it will be implemented. Yes, there are certain difficulties, but however, it continues,” he added.

The Nord Stream-2 project envisages construction of two lines of a natural gas pipeline with an annual capacity of up to 55 billion cubic meters, running from the Russian shore to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Russian gas giant Gazprom is implementing the project together with Germany’s E.ON and BASF, Royal Dutch Shell, OMV, and France’s Engie. The length of the pipeline’s route exceeds 1,200 kilometers.

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