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Sweden once again denies Russia participation in investigation of gas pipeline sabotage

Last Friday, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Andersson received a letter from Russian authorities containing a request for Russia’s participation in the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage

STOCKHOLM, October 10. /TASS/. Acting Prime Minister of Sweden Magdalena Andersson rejected Russia’s request for transparency of investigation of the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage and Moscow’s participation in the investigation, citing secrecy of investigation.

"There is secrecy of investigation, and, of course, it is also true for this case," she said during a press conference Monday.

Last Friday, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Andersson received a letter from Russian authorities containing a request for Russia’s participation in the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage.

"We are working on how to formulate the answer exactly," she said about Russia’s request.

According to the head of the caretaker government, the Swedish authorities have no information if Russia carried out its own investigation in this area. She explained that the "Swedish economic zone is not the territory that Sweden is managing."

"We have withdrawn the blockade, and other ships can stay in this area as well, these are the rules," Andersson noted.

She praised Sweden’s actions on investigation of the diversion: on Thursday, the Swedish Security Service said it has already finished its inspection of the sabotage site and determined that explosions occurred there.

"I am very proud of quick and decisive actions of the Swedish authorities," Andersson said. She also noted the support that Sweden received on the international level, including from the EU.

Acting Defense Minister Peter Peter Hultqvist also said earlier that Russia will not be allowed to join the investigation. Acting Minister of Justice and Migration Morgan Johansson explained that Sweden is carrying out a common preliminary investigation under the Swedish law, which includes the secrecy of investigation, adding that he "considers it inappropriate to let additional subjects access the preliminary investigation."

On September 27, Nord Stream AG reported "unprecedented damage" occurred on three lines of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. On September 26, Swedish seismologists registered to explosions along the pipeline routes. Russian Prosecutor General’s Office opened a criminal case over charges of international terrorism.

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