Parliament debates problems of gas pipeline

Nobody seriously came out against the proposed Baltic Sea gas pipeline when the Finnish Parliament decided on Thursday to debate the project at its own initiative.
      Left Alliance MP Esko-Juhani Tennilä, a staunch supporter of the project, saw all doubts expressed from the political right as manifestations of anti-Russian sentiment, or strong opposition to the pipeline itself.
      Representatives of the conservative National Coalition Party insisted, meanwhile, that they are not opposed to the pipeline, but they would like to discuss problems linked with it. The debate took on tones reminiscent of the times when political opponents could be intimidated by accusing them of “anti-Soviet” sentiments.
     
When speaking of the pipeline itself, nearly all emphasised that the project would bring Russia closer to Europe, and would bring more environmentally friendly fuel to an area dominated by coal.
      The focus of speeches was on two questions: can Russia be pressured to participate in the protection of the Baltic Sea more than it has been involved so far, and will the pipeline increase military tension in the Baltic?
      Pertti Salolainen (Nat. Coalition Party) said that considering whether or not to agree to the pipeline, the government would have an opportunity to discuss matters such as the sewage emissions from the enclave of Kaliningrad, or Russia’s joining the treaty on the assessment of the environmental impact of projects of the Baltic Sea. He was supported by Timo Kaunisto (Centre Party) and Eero Heinäluoma (SDP).
      Minister of Economic Affairs Mauri Pekkarinen (Centre Party) emphasised that as the application for permission to run the pipeline through the sea bottom in Finland’s economic zone is on his table, it is not appropriate for him to take up these matters. The ministers gave assurances that in other respects, discussions are going on all the time.
      Concern about military tensions ranged from comments by Olli Nepponen (Nat. Coalition Party), who suggested that the people are confused by the focus on environmental questions, to the question by Pentti Oinonen (True Finns) of whether or not the Russian Navy plans to stop Finnish shipping.
      The most complete answer came from Pekkarinen, who said that if the pipeline were not built, gas would be transported by up to 1,400 ships each year, which would be quite a task for the Russian Navy to protect.
      Both Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb (Nat. Coalition Party) and Minister of Defence Jyri Häkämies (Nat. Coalition Party) insisted that there is no reason to assume that anyone wants to increase tension in the Baltic Sea region by using the pipeline as a pretext.
     
Some hilarity was sparked by the suggestion by National Coalition MP Kimmo Sasi, who said that as representatives of NATO countries are involved in the company that is building the pipeline, Finland should invite NATO to discuss the future of the pipeline - and should join NATO itself.
      “Sasi is bringing NATO to the Baltic Sea!” Tennilä exclaimed in horror, possibly forgetting that the closest NATO country is Estonia.

More on this subject:
 Nord Stream expects to get all permits for pipeline by end of 2009

Previously in HS International Edition:
  Nord Stream given permission to destroy sunken war materiel along Baltic gas pipeline route (2.10.2009)
  Putin meets Vanhanen, urges Finland to speed up pipeline process (2.9.2009)
  Licencing authority calls schedule for gas pipeline licence process “challenging” (1.9.2009)
  Gas pipeline construction blocks river in Vyborg (8.10.2009)
  Mines, wrecks, fishing areas and seal habitats along pipeline route (16.3.2009)