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Russian ambassador: German business supports Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project

According to the Russian diplomat, the situation with the Nord Stream-2 project " is unlikely to be settled before the end of the year"

© EPA/ARNO BURGI

MOSCOW, July 1. /TASS/. The viewpoint of the supporters of the Nord Stream-2 project to build the third and fourth stretches of the gas pipeline from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea is predominant in German business circles, Russia’s Ambassador to Germany Vladimir Grinin told TASS on Friday.

"As was announced, this project is of purely commercial nature, including for Germany and those who are interested in its implementation stand for its support," the ambassador said.

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"So far, the ratio of the supports and the opponents in the EU is 50 to 50," the Russian ambassador said.

The Russian diplomat said that other sides and factors were exerting their influence on the project.

"At the same time, Americans are also exerting certain influence on the course of discussions," the Russian ambassador said.

"Besides, talks have started lately on the issue of the importance of preserving the existing pipelines on the territory of transit countries, including Ukraine."

"In this context, nothing can be ruled out but we hope for a positive decision, all the more so as the viewpoint in favor of the project’s implementation is clearly predominant in the German business circles," the Russian diplomat said.

"No specific time limits have been established for resolving this issue but all want to close this theme as quickly as possible," he added.

The Russian diplomat said the situation with the Nord Stream-2 project "is unlikely to be settled before the end of the year."

In any case, Russia "wants to see the EU as a strong partner, first of all, in the sphere of energy cooperation," the ambassador said.

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