April 26, 2024
Mr. President,
Russia once again has called for a meeting on Nord Stream, while no developments has happened since the last consultation we held on the subject on March 14. We quite rightly wonder about Russia’s zeal on this file, as is its deep concern with regard the attack on an energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia continues to systematically target Ukrainian infrastructure, inflicting terrible damage. During the most recent strikes, Russia has destroyed or damaged 7 thermal power plants, 3 combined heat and power plants, 2 hydroelectric power plants and 17 power transformers. The situation has particularly deteriorated in Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city with 1.3 million inhabitants. It is clear that Russia is attempting to divert the attention of this Council and the international community.
Our assessment of the explosions which damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022 remains the same: these are serious events, and they must be taken seriously.
Investigations have been launched by Germany, Denmark and Sweden. We have never had any reason to doubt the seriousness of these procedures. These countries have also regularly informed the Security Council in letters dated September 29, 2022, February 21 and July 10, 2023 and February 9 and 26, 2024. I would like to thank them for the letter addressed today to the Presidency of the Council, which introduces the most recent exchanges with the Russian Federation.
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 on February 7 and 26, on the grounds that they had no jurisdiction. The investigations established that the sabotage was not directed against Swedish or Danish interests. As the explosions occurred in international waters, therefore the Swedish and Danish courts had no grounds to further the investigations.
The German justice system, in which we have full confidence, is continuing its investigation. It is imperative that this investigation be completed, without political interference, and without prejudice to its outcome.
It may be useful to remind Russia once again that national investigations, whether the two concluded investigations or the current one, are being conducted in accordance with the fundamental principles of the rule of law: the German, Swedish and Danish judicial systems are independent.
France regrets that Russia has not modified its draft presidential statement, despite the convergent amendments submitted by a considerable number of Council members. The nature of the qualification used requires the presence of certain facts – facts which have not been established. The invitation to this meeting of the UNCCT attests to the fact that Russia is pre-empting the outcome of the investigation and is disregarding the mandate of UN institutions.
Thank you.