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Permits issued for Nord Stream 2 project by Finland remain in force — ministry

Government counselor at the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Kari Klemm said the country's position on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project has not changed

HELSINKI, December 14. /TASS/. Finland's position on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has not changed after the European Parliament's negative resolution on the project, and construction permits issued in the spring remain valid, government counselor at the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Kari Klemm told TASS on Friday.

"On April 5 the Finnish government made a principled position on the Nord Stream 2 project [allowing its construction]. In this regard, the situation does not change. In other words, the project retains the permission of the Finnish government which, of course, includes certain conditions for its recipient. The decision on the project of the Southern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency issued on the basis of the law on using Finnish waters, also remains in force," Klemm said.

"The Finnish government understands concerns over the project in the sphere of energy and security policy in Europe and Baltic Sea region," he added. However, "Finland does not have any interest in hampering or supporting commercial projects of the Nord Stream 2 AG operator," he noted.

"As you know, the Nord Stream 2 international project and its licensing represent an issue that has elements of political expediency. The consideration of this issue is easily politicized, both at the stage of preparations and at the stage of implementation. In this regard, there are many opinions that often contradict each other, for instance, on how to implement national or international laws. There are also differences in what should be taken into account when making a decision," Klemm explained.