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kato · 10-20-2007, 21:47 PM

There's been a further development since then even - the German-Russian meeting in Wiesbaden between Putin and Merkel.

Some issues that affect both, such as Kosovo, were discussed, and the very good economic partnership between both countries particularly highlighted.
Also, Russia, in press releases surrounding this meeting, was pretty much "allowed" to call on Germany to "show criticism" regarding NATO and EU partners in particular about the pipeline issue.

We'll probably see some semi-open posturing on the issue in the next weeks and months, some hidden, some more open. Current focus is a bit more on the US, in particular with the identical derision from both Russia and Germany regarding Bush's "WW3" comment about Iran.

Some english-language links (all from Deutsche Welle) for the German perspective surrounding those talks last week:
1. Ahead of Talks, Merkel Stresses Good Relations with Russia
2. Merkel, Putin Urge Iran Dialogue as Solution to Nuclear Crisis (includes a good part on Nord Stream!)
3. Putin, Merkel Meet in Shadow of US-Russia Chill
4. Opinion: Berlin and Moscow Look to the Future (commentary)

The entire current issue is really about dividing up the Baltic Sea somewhat, or rather seeing who are the top dogs.

Finland is pulled into this "pipeline alliance" due to their total reliance on Russian oil - seriously, they import 100% of their usage, all from Russia.
Germany has signed several contracts with Denmark regarding defense cooperation (in addition to NATO; for example a joint commercial sealift treaty), and Denmark has approved the pipeline running through their waters, so they're somewhat on the German-Russian side here too.

The sticky point is the Baltic Countries and Poland on the "other side", with Sweden in a separate stance leaning even further against it.

Some background stuff:
NoCo 2007, the current big joint maneuver headed by Germany and Sweden is actually somewhat interesting to analyze regarding this issue.
The entire scenario is laid out as a joint NATO/EU exercise, and all NATO and EU members around the Baltic Sea contribute - except Estonia, notably. Also, Lithuania was supposed to send a ship in the planning layout - replaced by a second Latvian ship in the actual line-up. Poland's contribution was originally supposed to be bigger; in addition to the frigate they are sending, they were asked for several helicopters - declined. That Sweden sort of co-heads the exercise (with Germany) seems to be something of an attempt to placate them.

10-20-2007, 21:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
kato Patron Join Date: 09-05-06 Posts: 221 Country:	There's been a further development since then even - the German-Russian meeting in Wiesbaden between Putin and Merkel. Some issues that affect both, such as Kosovo, were discussed, and the very good economic partnership between both countries particularly highlighted. Also, Russia, in press releases surrounding this meeting, was pretty much "allowed" to call on Germany to "show criticism" regarding NATO and EU partners in particular about the pipeline issue. We'll probably see some semi-open posturing on the issue in the next weeks and months, some hidden, some more open. Current focus is a bit more on the US, in particular with the identical derision from both Russia and Germany regarding Bush's "WW3" comment about Iran. Some english-language links (all from Deutsche Welle) for the German perspective surrounding those talks last week: 1. Ahead of Talks, Merkel Stresses Good Relations with Russia 2. Merkel, Putin Urge Iran Dialogue as Solution to Nuclear Crisis (includes a good part on Nord Stream!) 3. Putin, Merkel Meet in Shadow of US-Russia Chill 4. Opinion: Berlin and Moscow Look to the Future (commentary) The entire current issue is really about dividing up the Baltic Sea somewhat, or rather seeing who are the top dogs. Finland is pulled into this "pipeline alliance" due to their total reliance on Russian oil - seriously, they import 100% of their usage, all from Russia. Germany has signed several contracts with Denmark regarding defense cooperation (in addition to NATO; for example a joint commercial sealift treaty), and Denmark has approved the pipeline running through their waters, so they're somewhat on the German-Russian side here too. The sticky point is the Baltic Countries and Poland on the "other side", with Sweden in a separate stance leaning even further against it. Some background stuff: NoCo 2007, the current big joint maneuver headed by Germany and Sweden is actually somewhat interesting to analyze regarding this issue. The entire scenario is laid out as a joint NATO/EU exercise, and all NATO and EU members around the Baltic Sea contribute - except Estonia, notably. Also, Lithuania was supposed to send a ship in the planning layout - replaced by a second Latvian ship in the actual line-up. Poland's contribution was originally supposed to be bigger; in addition to the frigate they are sending, they were asked for several helicopters - declined. That Sweden sort of co-heads the exercise (with Germany) seems to be something of an attempt to placate them. Last edited by kato : 10-20-2007 at 23:29 PM.