S/PV.9741 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Last week, on 26 September, two years elapsed since the unprecedented terrorist attack against a civilian cross-border pipeline infrastructure facility, namely, the explosion of two branches of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the international waters of the Baltic Sea in the exclusive economic zone of Denmark and Sweden. The event was rightly the focus of the Security Council’s attention, since it poses a direct threat to international peace and security, energy and environmental security in Europe and navigation in the Baltic Sea. Since then, we have discussed this topic more than 10 times, both in open and closed formats. At the initiative of our country, three attempts were made to coordinate presidential statements on that terrorist attack. There was also a draft resolution on the subject (S/2023/212), which did not receive the required number of votes. We believe that today is the right time to look around and find our way two years after the gas pipeline was blown up. I will start with the positive. None of the members of the Security Council — or the United Nations as a whole, with the possible exception of the Kyiv regime and its Polish-Baltic accomplices, who long ago went mad on the basis of Russophobia  — dispute the fact that the attempt to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines deserves condemnation and that those responsible for the crime must receive the punishment they deserve. That is important not only from the point of view of international law, including the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings of 1997, but also in order to prevent such sabotage against international underwater infrastructure facilities. In addition to gas and oil pipelines, there are also electrical and communication cables, fibre-optic communications lines and other networks, on the stable functioning of which the well-being of hundreds of millions of people depends. If they are threatened, enormous damage could be done to the entire global economy. I hope we all understand that. But if we want to ensure that those facilities are not endangered, the terrorist attack on Nord Stream must be investigated with special care, and those responsible for it, be they countries, criminal groups or individual criminal characters, must be punished in such a way that no one will even think about repeating their actions. There is no doubt that they are now closely monitoring the progress of the investigation of the terrorist attack. In that regard, unfortunately, I cannot do without negativity. As we all remember, two years ago, the countries adjacent to the area of the terrorist attack — Germany, Denmark and Sweden — launched their investigations. In February this year, Denmark and Sweden announced the completion of their national investigations. The only conclusion, after a year and a half of work, was that the Nord Stream pipelines were indeed deliberately destroyed with the help of explosive devices, but the continuation of criminal proceedings within the Danish and Swedish jurisdictions is impossible. In other words, Stockholm and Copenhagen stated the obvious, namely, that the gas pipelines were blown up, and happily shrugged their shoulders. And the most striking thing is that, after that, our Western colleagues, instead of calling a spade a spade and saying that the emperor had no clothes, at a briefing we convened on 26 April (see S/PV.9619) vied with each other in asserting that the investigative actions carried out by Denmark and Sweden were “effective” and “met high standards of the rule of law.” As they now try to convince us, we need to wait for the completion of the equally supposedly “effective” and “transparent” investigation by Germany, despite the fact that over the course of two years Berlin has not bothered to provide the Security Council with specific and meaningful information about the results it has achieved, at least in the intermediate term. Moreover, all of our attempts to coordinate a unified message from the Council calling on Berlin to hurry up and show greater transparency were invariably blocked by the United States and its allies under the pretext that it was impossible to put pressure on German investigators. We are extremely disappointed and surprised by that, because the investigation by the German authorities, as well as the completed investigations by Denmark and Sweden, are completely non-transparent to us. That is despite the fact that Russia is clearly the affected party and has sent requests for legal assistance to those three States, which were simply ignored. This entire situation creates very specific and very dangerous challenges to international peace and security, and it is the direct duty of United Nations Members to respond to them  — chief among them the dangerous consequences of impunity, which I already mentioned. In addition, the lack of proper transparency on the part of the German authorities is already leading to the emergence of a broad variety of versions of what happened and assumptions about who may be behind this crime. If they emerge owing to the professional curiosity of journalists and their tendency to sensationalize, then it is necessary to fight them exclusively by promoting reliable official information, which the German authorities still do not do. As a result, suspicions are now raised about the actions, or inaction, not only of the authorities of the United States, Norway, Great Britain and Germany, but also of Poland, which allegedly deliberately helped one of the suspects to escape. There is, however, another explanation for the recent appearance of many of the most incredible versions of what happened, that is, the basic desire of the instigators and perpetrators of this crime to cover their tracks and put the investigation on the wrong footing. At least two circumstances speak in favour of that. The first is the absolute implausibility of the allegations of involvement in the explosion by a group of amateur Ukrainian divers who were out of control. For a Hollywood blockbuster, such a scenario is quite suitable, but in real life it is unlikely. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of experts argue that it would have been impossible to carry out such an undertaking without State support. Secondly, the cover-up version is supported by our Western colleagues’ desire to defend Berlin’s delay in its investigation. The calculation in that regard is clear  — while the investigation is ongoing, they are able to sabotage the adoption of any products by the Council. If the investigation is completed, they will not have any such arguments. In those circumstances, Germany, consciously or not, is acting as a “spoiler”, essentially blocking the international community from taking any steps towards establishing the facts of the Nord Stream explosion and punishing those who ordered and executed it. The position in which our German colleagues find themselves is all the more surprising given that the destruction of the gas pipelines has directly affected Germany’s economic interests. And even Germany’s top leaders have recognized the gravity of the crime committed. Last month, the German Chancellor, Mr. Olaf Scholz, recognized the incident as a terrorist attack that requires a comprehensive investigation. Under those conditions, Berlin’s impotence and servility have finally put paid to its ambitions for or claims to a global role. We hope that Berlin understands this obvious truth. In any case, two years on, all our suspicions, caused by Western statements and, in fact, by the frank admissions of involvement in the Nord Stream explosions from several United States and European officials, have not only not been dispelled but, on the contrary, have been further aggravated. Given the course of action chosen by our western colleagues, including at the Security Council, we cannot draw any other conclusions. Today, therefore, we are forced to announce that work on another draft presidential statement has been brought to an end owing to the absolute lack of cooperation between the United States and its allies. We have been trying to agree on it for more than a month, we have held several rounds of consultations and we have acted in good faith. But if our opponents pursue the objecting of preventing any meaningful collective decisions or statements by the Security Council, then there is no chance of success. If colleagues think that their obstructionist actions discourage us and reduce our resolve to identify and punish those responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream, they are very much mistaken. With every new sly manoeuvre they make to impede the work of the Security Council on this topic, our determination to seek the truth and our conviction that we are on the right track and that they really do have something to hide only grow stronger. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly clear that, without establishing the truth about the Nord Stream terrorist attack, our world simply will not be able to return to any constructive interaction among global players, in which the countries of the global South are so interested. We cannot allow such a situation, in which countries in one part of our planet  — the one that arrogantly imagines itself as being part of the “beautiful garden” — have immunity from fair and well-deserved punishment. We want them to understand that clearly and to have no illusions that they will be able to get away with it and emerge clean from the murky waters of the Baltic Sea.

Japan reiterates its deep concern about the incident regarding the Nord Stream pipelines. Critical infrastructure takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to build and develop and is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of entire populations. Endangering it poses a serious risk to many people and, potentially, the environment. It cannot be overstated that attacks on civilian objects constitute a clear violation of international law. Such acts not only threaten individual well-being but also destabilize the economic and social fabric of the affected regions. In some cases, the perpetrators of attacks may be obvious, such as when missiles or drones are used to target the critical infrastructure of a neighbouring country. However, in the case of the Nord Stream pipelines, the German authorities are still carrying out their investigation, as Germany has explained to the Security Council. The Security Council bears the responsibility to address issues affecting international peace and security. To fulfil that function, the Council needs facts that have been confirmed by independent, credible sources. We should avoid speculation without objective information. In that regard, we should wait for the ongoing national investigation by Germany to be completed.

At the outset, I would like to reiterate Algeria’s deep concern about the deliberate destruction of the gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2. Two years have passed since that grave incident, which threatened international peace and security, and yet the perpetrators have not been identified or brought to justice. Thanks to the investigations carried out by the competent authorities of Germany, Sweden and Denmark, the Security Council has been informed that the damage to the two pipelines was caused by deliberate sabotage. The investigation by German authorities is still ongoing and will hopefully shed new light on the deliberate sabotage. Against that backdrop, I would like to stress the following points. First, the security of critical transnational energy infrastructure is vital for us all, and it cannot be threatened under any circumstances. Their physical destruction affects the energy supply not only to millions of people but also to critical sectors such as health care, agriculture, food production, transport and beyond. Secondly, we reiterate our full support for the ongoing German investigations and any international efforts, particularly under the auspices of the United Nations, which could shed further light on the attacks. It is of the utmost importance to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of those acts, the deliberate nature of which has been confirmed. Thirdly, the strategic importance of cross-border infrastructure exposes it to multiple and various threats and vulnerabilities. It is therefore paramount to guarantee their protection to ensure the security and safety of energy generation, transmission and distribution. In that regard, strengthening regional and international cooperation is vital to ensure the prevention, protection, mitigation and timely investigation of, and preparedness for, attacks against critical energy infrastructure.

Malta confirms that all attacks against critical civilian and energy infrastructure, be it in the Baltic Sea, Ukraine or anywhere else, are condemnable. Let us be clear: we are concerned about the acts of sabotage against the Nord Stream pipelines, which threatened energy security in Europe and resulted in several environmental consequences. The German authorities are carrying out thorough investigations into the incident. We are fully confident in their proceedings. They are highly complex and require time and confidentiality. They are being conducted in a professional and impartial manner and in line with the fundamental principles of the rule of law. Likewise, we supported the investigations carried out by Denmark and Sweden, which have now been concluded, as the Security Council was notified through official letters (S/2024/149 and S/2024/189). Seeking to introduce further investigations at this time could be counterproductive and may risk undermining the work of the German authorities. Council members should avoid any language that gives the impression that they are pressuring or imposing timelines on the ongoing investigations. Moreover, the Council should refrain from any action that could undermine the investigations’ proceedings or that may risk prejudging their outcomes. That includes attempting to qualify the act before investigations are concluded or spreading unconfirmed media reports. Malta will continue to engage constructively on this file, as we have done throughout the past two years. At the same time, we reiterate that any initiative by the Council should recognize the ongoing investigations and should not in any way delegitimize them.

I will keep my remarks brief, and I will focus on three points. First, the United Kingdom takes the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines extremely seriously, and we share the desire of other Security Council members to understand what happened and who was responsible. We believe that the best way to obtain those answers is to support the ongoing national investigation being conducted by Germany. We recognize that it is a complex investigation and that it is important that it is conducted thoroughly and to the highest standards. We therefore welcome the update provided to the Council on 9 September by the Permanent Representatives of Sweden, Germany and Denmark (S/2024/665), which outlined the German authorities’ commitment to ensuring that the investigation is carried out impartially and in line with the rule of law. Secondly, as we have said many times before, we do not believe that it is helpful for the Security Council to try to prejudge the outcome of the ongoing investigation, dictate how the investigation is conducted or seek to politicize the issue. The Council should focus its efforts on supporting the process, rather than engaging in unhelpful speculation or trying to undermine it. Thirdly, we must point out that while Russia is consistently calling Council meetings on this topic to vocally condemn attacks on critical national infrastructure, it is simultaneously deliberately targeting Ukraine’s energy system and attacking its critical national infrastructure. Those attacks are killing thousands and incurring a terrible human cost. We urge Russia to translate its stated concern for the protection of civilian infrastructure into action by immediately ceasing such attacks and ending its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

The new security reality that we confront today is one in which critical energy infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines, storage facilities and electricity grids, are becoming targets for malicious, criminal and even terrorist attacks. In our quest to advance the development of our people and implement the Sustainable Development Goals, we have found new and innovative ways of leveraging our comparative advantages and synergies to drive national development. Transboundary gas pipelines have become an important investment in that regard, by providing access to energy for development and improved quality of life for millions of people, and they require international collaboration and cooperation to ensure their protection. The attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines two years ago are an unfortunate reminder of the complex risks posed to critical energy infrastructure. Guyana firmly condemns all attacks on critical energy infrastructure. The increasingly transboundary nature of such assets means that their disruption or destruction can have far- reaching consequences on society and the environment and must compel us to place the issue of their protection higher on the political agenda. We have noted from recent reports that there has been some progress in the ongoing investigation into the deliberate rupturing of the twin pipelines, which from all indications was carried out with powerful explosives. We have also noted that the German authorities have issued an arrest warrant in connection with the matter and that an investigation is ongoing. We support a thorough and conclusive investigation and hope that those responsible for this criminal act will soon be brought to justice. One concerning aspect of the Nord Stream attacks was the potentially grave toxicological and ecological risks posed to marine life from the leakage of methane gas and debris. Fortunately, the pipelines were not operational at the time of the explosion, but that is little comfort, given the fact that the explosions also occurred within 20 kilometres of a designated chemical munitions dumpsite and could have had even greater implications for the marine ecosystem and beyond. Guyana takes positive note of the proactive response of the neighbouring Baltic States in investigating the incident and underscores the need for effective transboundary and international cooperation in responding to such incidents. We urge the international community to extend the support necessary to ensure full accountability.

We return to the Chamber once again to discuss the Nord Stream incident. Regrettably, since the previous meeting on this topic in April (see S/PV.9619), we have received no substantive updates and have seen no notable developments as yet. In that regard, the Republic of Korea will again articulate its position of principle on this issue. First, my delegation continues to be resolutely opposed to all attacks or any form of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure that may result in the disruption of vital energy supply chains for civilians. It is important to ensure that the perpetrators are held responsible for such indiscriminate acts with a view to preventing the occurrence of similar actions going forward. Secondly, we continue to support the ongoing national investigations by the relevant authorities, which seek to establish fact-based conclusions related to the deliberate sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. In that regard, we understand the February decisions of the Swedish and Danish authorities to conclude their findings in accordance with relevant domestic laws. In addition, we look forward to the conclusion of the investigation being undertaken by the German authorities in an independent and impartial manner. Last but not least, and as winter approaches, my delegation takes this opportunity to reiterate our condemnation, once again, of any and all attacks on civilian infrastructure, especially those that target energy supplies, facilities and institutions vital to economies, healthcare systems and information and communications technology. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea highlights the guiding importance of the Security Council in supporting the ongoing investigation in a manner that is free of prejudgment and speculation. We call on all key stakeholders to continue to share relevant information with the Council in that light.

Slovenia reaffirms its condemnation of the act of sabotage directed against the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022. First and foremost, we are concerned about the environmental impact that the incident has caused in the Baltic Sea, as it appears to have been the single largest discharge of methane ever recorded. Humankind increasingly relies on critical undersea infrastructure. It represents the main communication line among our countries, as 99 per cent of the world’s data is transmitted through a global network of submarine cables. For many countries, underwater pipelines and electricity connectors are a vital lifeline for their economies and populations. It is crucial for critical submarine infrastructure to be protected against intentional or inadvertent damage. This has become uncommonly frequent in recent times, for instance in the case of submarine communication cables cut in the Red Sea in March or the damage done to the Baltic connector gas pipeline in October 2023. Slovenia is ready to support action in the framework of the United Nations in relation to the security of underwater infrastructure, including the Nord Stream pipelines. We are ready to support all meaningful initiatives that are in line with the principle of the rule of law, and to support ongoing investigations. Slovenia appreciates the transparency of the countries investigating the act of sabotage on the Nord Stream pipelines, and notes that Denmark and Sweden have concluded their national investigations on the incident in line with the fundamental principles of the rule of law. At the same time, we note that the investigative efforts of the German authorities are progressing. Slovenia commends the German authorities for their dedication in pursuing a comprehensive and impartial investigation of the incident, and we fully support their efforts to get to the bottom of it.

Russia is once again calling a meeting on Nord Stream, although there is no justification for doing so, aside from its desire to divert the attention of the Council and the international community. The German judiciary is continuing its investigation into the explosions that occurred on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022. We remain convinced that the best way to shed light on those events is to allow that investigation to be completed, without interference, without being instrumentalized and without prejudging its outcome. By expanding the number of initiatives on this issue in the Security Council, Russia is seeking to inject doubt into the seriousness of the national investigations, whether concluded or under way, and to put pressure on the German investigators. That is unacceptable. We remind Russia once again that the German, Swedish and Danish judicial authorities are independent. The investigations they conduct comply with the fundamental principles of the rule of law. After conducting thorough and complex investigations, including a complete examination of the site of the explosions, the Swedish and Danish prosecutors decided to close their respective investigations in February, on the grounds that they had no jurisdiction. The investigators cannot be criticized for their lack of transparency. Sweden, Denmark and Germany kept the Council informed through letters dated 29 September 2022 (S/2022/725), 21 February 2023 (S/2023/126), 10 July 2023 (S/2023/517), 7 February (S/2024/149), 26 February (S/2024/189) and 9 September (S/2024/665). In that context, France deplores Russia’s failure to take into account the converging concerns expressed by a significant number of Council members in the ongoing discussions on its draft presidential statement. It is particularly regrettable that it insists on defining the incident as a terrorist act involving explosives. Such a description requires the existence of certain facts — which have not been established. That stance shows that Russia is prejudging the outcome of the investigation. We have every right to be surprised by Russia’s zeal in this matter and by its deep concern regarding the damage being done to energy infrastructure. I would like to recall that, meanwhile, Russia continues its systematic and deliberate attacks against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, inflicting terrible damage. More than two thirds of Ukraine’s energy system has been destroyed or damaged by the increase in Russian strikes in March and August, resulting in lasting instability in the energy supply to the Ukrainian population.

On several occasions, my delegation has rejected the acts of sabotage and explosions at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 underwater gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. I reiterate that rejection, as any act against essential civilian infrastructure that goes unpunished undermines international law and accountability. The incident represented a threat to international peace and security, compromised maritime navigation in the Baltic Sea and had serious environmental and economic consequences. Ecuador will continue to be guided by official information and agrees with those who warn of the dangers of actions and proposals that, instead of leading to the clarification of the facts, hinder it. Germany’s investigation, which is still open, must be brought to a timely conclusion, and, in the meantime, the Council must continue to receive substantive updates. However, given the gravity and repercussions of the incident, and the time that has elapsed since the sabotage of the Baltic Sea gas pipelines, any option that contributes to uncovering the truth, with the cooperation of all parties concerned, cannot be ruled out.

There are many urgent matters before the Council. This topic is not one of them. Germany is investigating the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines, which appears to be an intentional act of sabotage. The United States has condemned their destruction and is fully confident in Germany’s ongoing judicial process. The Security Council should not pre-empt the German authorities by drawing sweeping conclusions based on political statements. It is difficult not to miss Russia’s hypocrisy in calling this meeting. Russia repeatedly demands the Council’s attention on the destruction of its pipeline while it systematically decimates Ukraine’s energy and water infrastructure, setting up a disastrous winter for millions of Ukrainians. That is the real issue of urgency for the Security Council. I also want to address Russia’s strategy of disinformation, which it uses to change narratives. Last week, in the General Assembly, Russia’s Foreign Minister accused the United States of the September 2022 Nord Stream pipeline destruction — something Russia’s representative implied again today. There is no shred of evidence of United States involvement, and there never will be, because the United States was not involved. For a moment today, Russia’s disinformation diverts the Council’s attention from the gruesome war and destruction it has unleashed on Ukraine, but we see it, and we condemn it.

I would like to start by thanking the presidency for convening this meeting. Two years have passed since the September 2022 explosions that severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. That incident has not only disrupted energy supplies but also intensified political tensions across Europe. Despite the Council’s repeated engagement on this matter, progress, much like the investigations themselves, remains largely stalled. The manner in which the various national jurisdictions involved have handled this serious issue, coupled with the reported lack of coordination and information-sharing, raises serious concerns about whether the truth will ever be fully uncovered. We acknowledge that the highly technical and covert nature of the attack presents significant challenges for forensic experts in gathering conclusive evidence, thereby complicating the investigation process. However, as time progresses without a definitive attribution of responsibility or a clear identification of the perpetrators, competing narratives and accusations have emerged from various stakeholders. There is international speculation that the investigation is being deliberately protracted, owing to the potential diplomatic repercussions and the risk of escalation, should the perpetrators’ identities be revealed. As a result, the public remains uninformed of key findings, and progress appears minimal. Impunity, however, cannot be an option for such a flagrant violation of international law. The protection of civilian infrastructure is not a mere aspiration, but a fundamental pillar of international humanitarian law that must be scrupulously observed and upheld by all. We therefore reiterate that all civilian infrastructure must be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable international legal frameworks, including resolution 2341 (2017). That applies to all parties involved, without distinction. In the best interest of all the parties concerned and the international community at large, Mozambique asserts that this issue must be transparently and conclusively investigated. The international community cannot afford to leave the Nord Stream attack unresolved, particularly in an already volatile geopolitical landscape, especially given the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine and Africa. It is therefore imperative for the international community, including the Security Council, to continue to advocate for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and to prevent similar incidents in future. To that end, prioritizing cooperation and the exchange of relevant information among the parties concerned is of the utmost priority and importance.

It has now been two years since the “powerful explosions due to sabotage” caused damage to the Nord Stream pipelines, as noted in the letter dated 21 February 2023 from the Permanent Representatives of Denmark, Germany and Sweden to the Security Council (S/2023/126). The facts established by the investigations were further supported by the reports of the Swedish authorities of 18 November 2022 that foreign items containing explosive residue were found near the site. Sierra Leone remains hopeful that, for trust in our multilateral system to be maintained or regained, an acceptable resolution will be reached in a timely manner. In previous Security Council meetings, Sierra Leone unequivocally condemned the unjustifiable act of destruction of civilian infrastructure, which violates international law. Today we reiterate that condemnation and continue to call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure everywhere. Despite the passage of time, a clear, independent and verifiable conclusion from the investigations into this incident has yet to be established. We note that the investigations conducted by Denmark and Sweden confirmed deliberate sabotage but with insufficient grounds to pursue a criminal case. We also note that Germany’s investigation is ongoing. Our responsibility to maintain global peace and security includes the protection of lives, property and human dignity worldwide. The destruction of critical inter-State economic infrastructure, in addition to the environmental damage and marine life loss resulting from the Nord Stream incident demand serious attention, not least to safeguard respect for the rule of law and accountability, which are essential for international peace and security. In that regard, we emphasize the need for a fact-based, credible, inclusive and transparent investigation that yields an impartial outcome. Such clarity is crucial for ensuring accountability. We urge the Security Council to support the timely conclusion of the German authorities’ investigation to establish the facts and dispel any contentious allegations. Our multilateral system is under immense strain owing to ongoing conflicts and emerging geopolitical and economic interests and tensions. From its inception, the Nord Stream pipeline has had significant geopolitical and economic ramifications, with strongly held views by the relevant stakeholders. Our persistent call for a timely conclusion to the investigation seeks to prevent any escalation of tensions due to prolonged perceived inaction on the issue. In conclusion, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the protection of civilian infrastructure and accountability to end impunity. We therefore call for the conclusion of a national investigation and, as appropriate, a fact-based, credible, inclusive and transparent international investigation to ensure that the principles on which we rely in our multilateral system, based on international law, are upheld.

Two years ago, the Nord Stream pipelines exploded, which shocked the world. The sabotage targeting transnational energy infrastructure has had a serious negative impact on global energy supplies, marine ecosystems and the safety of maritime shipping. Over the past two years, the international community has been following with great interest the progress of the investigation into the incident. The Security Council has conducted numerous deliberations, during which many Council members, including China, have repeatedly called for objective, impartial and professional investigations to establish the facts as soon as possible and bring the perpetrators to justice, so as to prevent such incidents from recurring. Regrettably, we have not yet reached a definitive conclusion. The Council has had several discussions on whether to conduct an international or a national investigation. At that time, some members opposed the former and argued strongly in favour of giving Sweden, Denmark and Germany the trust and time to conduct their own national investigations. However, today, two years later, the result is that Sweden and Denmark have announced the termination of their investigations one after the other, despite the information they released being scant and lacking in detail. The national investigation of Germany has thus far been inconclusive, and the public can only obtain information from and speculate on media reports. I believe that many people have the same questions as me. Was there a hidden agenda to the initial opposition to an international investigation? Has evidence been covered up and destroyed over the past two years or so? When will the trust and time that we have given be rewarded with the truth about what happened? China supports the draft presidential statement circulated by Russia on the Nord Stream pipeline explosions and welcomes the changes and adjustments Russia made to the draft in the light of the comments of Council members. We believe that the current draft, presenting facts objectively, reflects the concerns of all parties. It is generally balanced in its content. We hope that all parties will intensify consultations and reach agreement on the draft as soon as possible, so as to send a clear signal to the outside world. In conclusion, I would like to make three points regarding the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. First, we hope that Germany will announce the progress and results of the investigation through official channels as soon as possible. Secondly, we hope that the countries concerned will actively communicate and cooperate with Russia — the main party to the Nord Stream incident — and avoid politicizing the investigations. Thirdly, we hope that the Council will maintain its attention on this matter, refrain from allowing it to fade away and put an end to double standards.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Switzerland. Switzerland’s assessment of the situation remains unchanged. I reiterate our concern about the explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines that led to gas leaks in September 2022. Switzerland condemns all acts of sabotage or intentional destruction of critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure. Such acts can have a negative impact on the supply of gas to the population, the economy and the environment. As regards the investigations carried out by the national authorities, we welcome the information that Denmark, Germany and Sweden have provided in the form of letters to the Security Council on several occasions. As indicated in those letters, investigations are under way in Germany. We have every confidence in those proceedings and in their independence, and we await their conclusions. In the meantime, we believe that the results should not be unduly influenced or predetermined. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

We would like to ask our French colleague, who reproached us for insisting on the use of the term “terrorist act” with regard to the Nord Stream sabotage, why he is not levelling similar accusations against the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Olaf Scholz, who on 14 September publicly called what happened an act of terrorism, especially in the light of how doggedly he is defending the effectiveness and impartiality of the German investigation. Today some of our Western colleagues attempted to draw parallels between the Nord Stream explosions and Russia’s actions to destroy the infrastructure related to the military capacities of the Kyiv regime. But such attempts attest only to either their desire to shift the focus away from the crime  — because they are uncomfortable with it — or their total ignorance. If the German investigation is premised on the same amateurish evidence, it is doomed to failure. There can be no parallels between the Ukrainian context and the deliberate destruction of international energy infrastructure.

The representative of France has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I just wanted to reply to my Russian colleague and say that probably the best way to proceed is the one I described in my statement, which is to wait patiently for the conclusions of the investigation conducted by the German justice system, in which France has every confidence. Once its conclusions have been delivered, the Council can meet again and deliberate.