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Biden calls on all entities involved in Nord Stream 2 to ‘immediately abandon work’

The Biden administration Thursday stepped up its rhetoric against a gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, calling on all those involved in the project to “immediately abandon” their work.“The Department reiterates its warning that any entity involved in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline risks US sanctions and should immediately abandon work on the pipeline,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Congress passed a law in 2019 that called for sanctioning entities and companies working on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. It was then expanded in 2020 in a rare case of bipartisan support for US foreign policy.The project is estimated to cost around $11 billion and would run under the Baltic Sea.President Joe Biden, as did his predecessor Donald Trump, has condemned the project. “As the President has said, Nord Stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our Central and Eastern European allies and partners,” Blinken said Thursday. “The Department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved.”Blinken dubbed the project as “a Russian geopolitical project intended to divide Europe and weaken European energy security.”The top US diplomat added that the Biden Administration was fully committed to complying with legislation that would force sanctions on those involved in the Nord Stream 2.Read more: Pipe laying for Nord Stream 2 restarts in Danish waters despite US pressure
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Biden calls on all entities involved in Nord Stream 2 to ‘immediately abandon work’

UN Security Council urges Houthis to end escalation in Marib

The UN Security Council on Thursday called on the Houthis to end their offensive on the oil-rich Yemeni province of Marib. The drive is threatening to unleash one of the worst displacement crises of the country’s civil war. 

The rebels in February resumed their offensive on Marib, the last major northern stronghold of the internationally recognized government led by President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The province is home to a million internally displaced people who aid groups warn would have nowhere safe to turn if the fighting escalates.  
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: UN Security Council urges Houthis to end escalation in Marib