It would be a bad idea for Germany to start using a nearly completed Russian pipeline to receive gas because it goes against the policy of the United States and other European nations, U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell told Newsmax TV.
During an appearance on Monday's "Newsmax Now," Grenell said the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is adjacent to the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea, would demonstrate an "over-reliance" on Russian energy during a time when Russia is far from the West's best friend.
"The Germans need the energy, is what they tell us," Grenell said. "They're desperate for the gas."
Grenell then made the point the U.S. is not against anyone's acceptance of Russian oil and gas.
"I want to make one thing clear: the United States' policy is about diversification of your energy sources," he said. "We are not opposed to some Russian gas for the Germans. As a matter of fact, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, we are not opposed to. What we are opposed to is over-reliance on Russia at a time when the Russians have demonstrated that they really are bad actors.
"They've shot down a passenger jet, they've used chemical weapons on their enemies in the U.K., they've interfered in elections."
Grenell added it is time for the West to stand firm against an over-dependence on Russian products.
"What we have to be able to do is stand with the other 16 European countries who have said that this Nord Stream 2 pipeline is not a good idea," he said. "The United States' policy is to really band together with the other Europeans, who are telling the German government this is not a good idea to pursue Nord Stream 2."
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