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Europe
Germany's Scholz Refuses to Back Biden on Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Shutdown Threats
2022-02-09
[Breitbart] German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shied away from backing President Joe Biden’s pledge to "bring an end" to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Europe should Russia invade Ukraine.

In a joint press conference from the White House on Monday, Germany’s recently installed left-wing chancellor, Olaf Scholz refused to confirm his country’s position on the controversial pipeline should Russian forces cross into Ukraine.
No 'confirmation' necessary. We've already anticipated the outcome.
Despite lifting sanctions on the pipeline put in place by Donald Trump, President Joe Biden said per a White House readout: "If Germany — if Russia invades — that means tanks or troops crossing the — the border of Ukraine again — then there will be — we — there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it."

Though American sanctions could hinder the project, the construction is basically complete and opening of the pipeline is ultimately in the hands of Germany, with approval required from the country’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).

The German chancellor promised to act with "one voice" on the Ukrainian issue with the United States, yet he failed to support the threat to shut down Nord Stream 2.

"It is part of this process that we do not spell out everything in public because Russia could understand that there might be even more to come. And, at the same time, it is very clear we are well prepared with far-reaching measures," Sholz said according to White House interpreters.
Posted by:Besoeker

#8  Biden has mad diplomatic skillz. Have you heard his story about how he dealt with Corn Pop that summer at the swimming pool?
Posted by: SteveS   2022-02-09 17:24  

#7  So EC is saying Scholz is a diplomat and Biden is ... not?
Posted by: Bobby   2022-02-09 16:28  

#6  I actually think that Scholz DID promise Biden in private that he would shut down Nord Stream 2 in case of an invasion. Because it's simply impossible for Germany to certify Nord Stream 2 if the Russians occupy Ukraine.

All this talking about it leads to nothing.
Posted by: European Conservative   2022-02-09 10:01  

#5  Interesting 'on site' analysis EU. Always great to get your insights.
Posted by: Besoeker   2022-02-09 09:55  

#4  It's a bit difficult for me to comment on this. I'm no fan of Scholz.
Scholz is already notorious in Germany for never properly answering a question. Something he learned from Merkel.

But he might have a point here. You keep your adversary guessing, you don't tell him what you will do if he does something.

Biden's definition of an invasion is brain dead. If the Russians attack Ukraine, they'll probably destroy the Ukrainian military without setting a foot into the country. Then what?

Nord Stream 2, btw., isn't THAT important btw. Canceling it will certainly not stop the Russians from doing what they want to do.
Posted by: European Conservative   2022-02-09 09:51  

#3  When the wall came down, we should have packed everything up and returned home.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2022-02-09 08:11  

#2  Mr Magoo sets off WWIII:
"If Germany — if Russia invades — that means tanks or troops crossing the — the border of Ukraine again — then there will be — we — there will be no longer a ... "

...a USA, Magoo? Because you've destroyed it already with your millions of 'limited incursionist' invaders across our southern border?
Posted by: Merrick Ferret   2022-02-09 06:18  

#1  Dancing with the bear is he? Might as well, he brought her to the party.
Posted by: Besoeker   2022-02-09 02:23  

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