Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has expressed concern over the announcement of US Energy Secretary Rick Perry following their meeting, who admitted the possibility of imposing new sanctions against Russia because of the Nord Stream 2 project implementation.
“We are concerned about the statements on new sanctions that are being made with regard to an absolutely competitive project in which all European consumers are interested. And we see that gas consumption in Europe is growing, while its domestic production is declining,” Alexander Novak told reporters at a joint press conference with Rick Perry.
The Minister has noted that the pipeline gas is the most reliable and affordable way to provide consumers with energy resources, particularly in cold months.
“Of course, such projects as Nord Stream 1, Nord Stream 2, Yamal-Europe, Turkish Stream as well as a new project being implemented in Europe via Azerbaijan and Turkey are aimed at protecting the interests of the consumer”, Novak said.
Earlier today, when asked whether sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline are possible and if the corresponding sanctions are planned, Perry said: “Yes to your first question and yes to your second.” And yet, the US Energy Secretary has stressed that the sanctions are not imminent.
