Posted on 09/16/2005 9:46:16 AM PDT by lizol
Lithuania starts ‘gas war’ against Russia
September 16, 2005 Posted: 15:21 Moscow time (11:21 GMT)
MOSCOW — Lithuania’s authorities object to plans to build a gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea, citing environmental concerns. This is the first attempt to block the project, signaling perhaps the beginning of a war by the Baltic states and Poland against the Russian-German gas and political alliance.
The new gas pipeline could disturb stockpiles of Hitler’s chemical weapons resting on the bed of the Baltic Sea, which would lead to an environmental disaster, Lithuanian prime minister Algirdas Brazauskas said.
“Being members of the Convention on the protection of the Baltic Sea, we will demand compliance with all requirements set out in the document. The Baltic Sea is our common heritage, it’s not property of one or two countries,” he said, promising to raise the issue at the forthcoming North European summit in Reykjavik.
Other Lithuanian politicians were more aggressive. Vytautas Landsbergis, member of the European Parliament, said the new Russian-German alliance was designed to change Europe’s political map. If the gas project was implemented, the Baltic states and Poland would be left at the mercy of Russia.
The pipeline will stretch more than 1,200 kilometers, from the city of Vyborg in the north-west of Russia to Germany's northeastern city of Greifswald. It is expected to go on-stream in 2010, with an annual capacity of 27.5 billion cubic meters. A second planned pipeline could double capacity to around 55 billion cubic meters a year. Overall costs for two pipelines would be above EUR 4 billion. Construction of the first pipeline will commence this autumn.
The gas pipeline agreement was signed by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin a week ago.
The project affects the interests of many countries. Until now, Russia pumped gas to the West through Ukraine’s Neftegaz, via Belarus, Poland and Slovakia. But Russia is not happy with things as they are.
Ukraine used to steal gas from Russia’s pipelines, using the transit pipeline for putting political pressure on Moscow.
Poland, which entered NATO and the EU, is playing an increasingly important part in Eastern Europe, apparently claiming the role of the European ‘guardian’ for Belarus and Ukraine. The gas pipeline from Russia’s Yamal Peninsula to Europe strengthened its position. But relations between Moscow and Warsaw took a hit when Poland supported the Orange Revolution in Ukraine.
There are problems with Belarus, too. Lukashenko’s regime, friendly as it may seem, is absolutely unpredictable. Two years ago, Moscow had to fight with Belarus to get a fair price for its natural gas supplies.
Planning another pipeline to bypass its neighbors, Russia is attacking Ukraine, Belarus and Poland. The new gas deal in fact means Russia’s political alliance with Germany.
In related developments, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus demanded that Russia compensate damage caused by the crash of a Russian fighter in Lithuania yesterday. Damage sustained by Lithuanian farmers is estimated at about EUR 3,000, Echo of Moscow radio reported.
Adamkus also asked the media not to dramatize the situation, saying it was a mere incident.
Russia’s Su-27 crashed in Ukraine yesterday. A pilot reported navigation problems and bailed out at 16:00, landing 55km from Kaunas. There was no word of casualties. The incident is being investigated by Russian and Lithuanian services.
An example of why having a NATO (US) presence in the Baltic states isn't necessarily a good idea.
game started!
Here's hoping our East European friends go for it!
I think multiple gas and oil pipe lines between Russia and E Europe and between Western & Eastern Europe and Eurasia will relatively soon become a reality.
Poland and Ukraine are also seeking to aquire alternative energy resources outside of Russia. Pipe lines that bring Caspian Oil and Central Asian gas to Ukraine and Poland via Azerbajan, Georgia, Turkey and Black sea bypassing Russia are also being proposed. This is the case when each party should pursue its own legitimate economic interests.
In a long term, when nobody is a monopolist on such vital issues as energy resources (whether as a supplier or transit country), it's a win-win situation for everyone.
Other Lithuanian politicians were more aggressive. Vytautas Landsbergis, member of the European Parliament, said the new Russian-German alliance was designed to change Europe’s political map. If the gas project was implemented, the Baltic states and Poland would be left at the mercy of Russia. ==
I don't exactly understand thier logic. They object russo-german mutual relations?
I thought that it just not thier business. That is the business of 2 parties involved only.
"I don't exactly understand thier logic. They object russo-german mutual relations?
I thought that it just not thier business. That is the business of 2 parties involved only. "
The fears are largely political--Lithuania fears that if Poland and Ukraine will loose their predominant position as transit countries for Russian oil and gas to W. Europe, the entire E. Europe (incl. Lithuania) will become more vulnerable to the political and economic pressure from Putin's Russia. It's a fear of Putin's Kremlin long-term intentions.
However, I believe that in the long-term, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia should aquire multiple oil and gas pipe lines, so neither party is too vulnerable to economic pressure, blockade, theft, etc.
Just like Ribbebtrop-Molotov pact, huh?
Just like Ribbebtrop-Molotov pact, huh?==
You are distorting lizol. Molotov-Ribbentrop pact devided sphere of influence over other countries.
But gas treaty is just cutting out meddlemen and make profit for involved parties.
Poland and Ukraine are also seeking to aquire alternative energy resources outside of Russia. Pipe lines that bring Caspian Oil and Central Asian gas to Ukraine and Poland via Azerbajan, Georgia, Turkey and Black sea bypassing Russia are also being proposed. This is the case when each party should pursue its own legitimate economic interests. ==
It is good Serge but according Vitalii Potapov the head of department of Company "Nefta-Gaz" of Ukarine that the gas pipe proposed from Turkmenia to Ukraine which will bypass the territory of Russia will cost about $14 blns of dollars.
It includes the big sea span too.
If newly signed conract of NorthEuropian gas pipe costs about $5 blns and it named as biggest project in history which involved lot of credit resources of 2 biggest economics.
Then you may understand that now Ukraine alone has to find 2.5 times bigger credit to build her pipe.
You may understand that it is probably impossible.
One cannot deny Moscow the beauty of the maneuver and cannot deny Germany the ability to get the profit. ==
Russia make profit too. Without middelmen both sides make profits.
There are alternatives--like Caspian oil pipelines going through Azerbajan and Georgia to Turkey. Pipeline could be built that brings Caspian oil and Central Asian Gas to Ukraine through Georgia and Black Sea. Anyway--let everyone concerned find the best solution that is mutually acceptable.
Gas war! Maybe they could start giving away 6-packs of cokes or dishes w/fill-up like we did here in the sixties.....;o)
You can trust your car to the man who wears the Star....
Gas war! Maybe they could start giving away 6-packs of cokes or dishes w/fill-up like we did here in the sixties.....;o)
You can trust your car to the man who wears the Star....
There is no US forces in the Baltic states.
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