Sweden refuses a joint investigation group with Germany and Denmark to investigate Nord Stream explosions
Days after refusing to share the results of its investigation into the explosions of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines with Russian authorities, Sweden has also rejected plans to set up a joint investigative team with allies, citing national security concerns.
Eurojust, a judicial cooperation agency, had reportedly contacted the Nordic country to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with Denmark and Germany to investigate the explosions.
SEE | The mystery of the Nord stream leaks: West & Moscow blame each other
However, Swedish prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist, involved in the criminal investigation, stated that the country already cooperated with Denmark and Germany and therefore rejected the new proposal.
Ljungqvist added that consent to the JIT may have led to the leakage of confidential information.
– This is because there is information in our investigation that is subject to secrecy and that is directly linked to national security, says Ljungqvist.
As reported by WION, Sweden’s Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson had earlier this week refused to share the results of the survey with Russia, citing a similar “secrecy” reason.
“In Sweden, our preliminary investigations are classified and of course that also applies in this case,” she tells reporters.
Read more: Sweden refuses to share the results of Nord Stream’s explosion investigations with Russia
Last week, Russia had thrown its hat in the ring to be included in the investigations, especially the one being carried out by Sweden.
“There really should be an investigation. Of course with Russia’s participation,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin was quoted as saying by state news agencies.
Read more: The Kremlin wants to be part of the investigation into underwater explosions, Nord Stream leaks
The two explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines were followed by unexplained gas leaks. The suspicious events were reported in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm.
Germany, Denmark and Sweden have claimed that there were premeditated attacks to destroy the pipeline.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a ploy by the West after its sanctions failed to affect Moscow.
“Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have turned to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!”, Putin stated during a live speech.
(With input from agencies)
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