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Russia concerned over possible sanctions against Nord Stream 2, says energy chief

A US official said earlier sanctions could be imposed against the Nord Stream 2 and the Russian energy sector

MOSCOW, September 13. /TASS/. Russia is concerned of the possibility of sanctions against construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline because the project does not impair market competition, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at a joint briefing with US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.

The US official said sanctions can be imposed on the Nord Stream 2 and the Russian energy sector at the briefing.

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Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 violate WTO norms — Kremlin

"Considering the answer of Mr. Perry, I will respond we are concerned of statements made regarding introduction of sanctions against an absolutely competitive project, which is of interest for European consumers," Novak said.

Introduction of sanctions against individual Russian exporters will lead to violation of the global energy security, the Russian minister said. "Those capable of supplying resources to the market should not be limited artificially. This can lead to unpredictable consequences in terms of provision of energy security at large," Novak said.

Russia is confident its natural gas supplies to Europe are competitive, he added.

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Nord Stream Alexander Novak

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FACTBOX: Collective Security Treaty Organization

The Collective Security Treaty came into force on April 20, 1994 to herald the emergence what would eventually become the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The six member-countries are Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan