Trump Regime and Congress to Sanction Nord Stream 2 Insurers

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

Since Trump took office in January 2017, the US sanctioned Russia around four dozen times — each time brazenly breaching the UN Charter and other international law.

No nation may interfere in the internal affairs of others legally — except in self-defense if attacked, a threat the US never faced throughout the post-WW II period.

Claims otherwise when made by either wing of its one-party rule were and continue to be fabricated.

In stark contrast, US imperial rage threatens everyone everywhere.

Its neoliberal harshness created a vast underclass of unemployed, underemployed paupers.

Since construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany began, US sanctions war tried undermining its completion.

Its aim is wanting 30% more expensive US liquified natural gas (LNG) sold to European markets.

Construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 continues anyway — to be completed and operational in the coming months.

According to Bloomberg News, the Trump regime and Congress intend new sanctions on insurers and technical certification companies involved in the project.

In mid-October, German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass said construction on "Nord Stream 2 will be completed. The question is when," adding:

"We make decisions about our energy policy and energy supply here — in Europe."

Cheap Russian gas is vital to Western and parts of Eastern Europe.

Countries buying it want its availability continued and expanded to meet increased energy needs.

Newly proposed US sanctions on Nord Stream 2 will be included in the FY 2021National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — to be enacted into law by yearend.

Last month, Pompeo said the Trump regime is trying to build an anti-Nord Stream 2 coalition.

Newly imposed US sanctions at the time targeted firms involved in providing services or funding to upgrade or install equipment on ships for laying the pipeline, Pompeo saying:

"Such activities subject to sanctions pursuant to PEESA (the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act of 2019) or other authorities may include, but are not limited to, providing services or facilities for upgrades or installation of equipment for those vessels, or funding for upgrades or installation of equipment for those vessels."

New US sanctions when imposed will prevent vessels involved in Nord Stream 2 construction from getting insurance and technical certifications required to work offshore Denmark.

According to Senator Bob Menendez, "Germany, as an ally, and public officials within Germany, would not be part of any such sanctions."

In July, Pompeo warned European firms involved in completing Nord Stream 2 to "(g)et out now or risk the consequences."

Left unexplained by Bloomberg and other Western media is that Security Council members alone may legally impose sanctions on nations, entities and individuals.

When nations like the US take this step, it flagrantly breaches international law.

Russian officials have assured that Nord Stream 2 construction will be completed.

The attempt by US hardliners to undermine the project is doomed to fail.

VISIT MY WEBSITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

My two Wall Street books are timely reading:

"How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion, and Class War"

https://www.claritypress.com/product/how-wall-street-fleeces-america/

"Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity"

https://www.claritypress.com/product/banker-occupation-waging-financial-war-on-humanity/