WASHINGTON SHOOTS WITH AN EMPTY RIFLE? Can the United States block the ending of the “Turkish current”?

Washington is escalating threats to prevent completion of this pipeline, as well as “North Stream 2,” because it fears it will make Europe too dependent on Russian energy sources, thus increasing its influence in the region. In this geopolitical struggle of big players, our country is trying to protect its interests.

Vojislav Vuletić, President of the Serbian Gas Association, regards as great news the announcement of the president about the release of gas through the “Balkan Stream”, as the other branch of the “Turkish Stream” is called, which enters our country from Bulgaria.

– Something is happening that is useful for us, citizens will have a safe and reliable supply, because we are taking a different supply direction – says Vuletic for “Novosti”. – At the moment, this fuel comes only from the north, through Ukraine, and now it will also come to us through Bulgaria. That is extremely important.

Managing Director of “Srbijagas” Dušan Bajatović recently told our newspaper that the compressor station in Serbia is scheduled to be completed in May next year. Vuletic also confirms that some more works remain and that the gas pipeline will begin to be used in spring. By the end of the year, he explains, a test gas release can be performed, because the system must first be verified. He rejects the possibility of Washington stopping the project in any way.

“The Americans are shooting with an empty rifle, that’s just rhetorical level,” says Vuletić. – There is nothing like that, everything follows its course.

As things stand now, “Balkan Stream” manages to avoid the fate of “North Stream 2,” whose construction was significantly slowed by American threats. This is attested by the completion of the works on the section of “Turkish Stream” in Bulgaria, according to the media of that country reported this Thursday.

– The construction of the “Balkan Stream” gas pipeline has been completed and preparations are being made for its commissioning – reported the Bulgarian newspaper “Trud”, referring to the company “Bulgartransgas”, owner of the project.

The Russian agency Tass informs that the process of technical acceptance and obtaining a work permit from the competent state bodies is under way for the “Balkan Stream” to officially enter into operation.

SANCTIONS ARE EXPANDING

IN ACCORDANCE with the provisions of the United States Defense Budget Act for next year, for the “Turco” and “North Stream 2” projects, the sanctions extend to areas related to insurance or reinsurance services, services or devices for technology upgrades, installation of welding equipment, testing services, inspections or certifications required for the completion or operation of the pipeline, say the experts for our role.