In response to MP Andres Metsoja’s question about why, according to him, the Estonian government does not provide enough information about this incident, K. Kallas noted that these are high-profile incidents, so every word is extremely important.
“When we found out about it, we constantly communicated with our colleagues from Finland and Sweden on how to conduct an investigation,” the Prime Minister said.
She said Finland is leading the investigation into the Balticconnector incident and is being assisted by experts from Estonia. Meanwhile, the investigation into the undersea cable is being led by Tallinn, with the help of Finnish experts.
“It is now known that this damage was caused by human activity, meaning that it could not have been caused by natural forces or by any animals or fish living in the Baltic Sea; it is simply impossible”, said K. Kallas.
She added that a criminal investigation is currently underway, which greatly limits the possibilities of publicizing information about these events.
“I understand that people want to get answers as soon as possible, but there is also a concern that if there is too much finger-pointing there could be very clear consequences.” Until we have the exact knowledge, we cannot make any statements or reveal any theories publicly,” she said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that Estonia actively cooperates with NATO on these issues.
“As a result, NATO moved ships to the Baltic Sea to strengthen its defenses,” she said.
Meanwhile, Finnish investigators announced on Tuesday that they believe the Balticconnector gas pipeline connecting Estonia and Finland was damaged by a broken anchor from a Chinese container ship.
Finland’s police National Bureau of Investigation said it has evidence that the Hong Kong-flagged ship Newnew Polar Bear is responsible for damaging a gas pipeline on the bottom of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.
Whether the Balticconnector was damaged intentionally, accidentally, or due to errors will be determined during the next phase of the investigation, officials said.
Finnish and Estonian natural gas system operators reported on October 8 that they had detected an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector gas pipeline, and as a result, they stopped gas supply through it.
On October 10, the Finnish government announced that not only the gas pipeline was damaged, but also the communication cable between NATO members Finland and Estonia. Helsinki said the leak at the Balticconnector was likely caused by external activity.
The latest photos provided by the Finnish Border Guard show that 300 million The EUR 100,000 gas pipeline that connects Finland to the European gas network has been severely damaged. Balticconnector was put into commercial use in the early 2020s.
Repairs are expected to take at least until the end of April 2024.
On October 17, the Swedish government announced that it had received information that the telecommunications cable connecting Sweden and Estonia had been damaged. The cable is believed to have been damaged at the same time as the Balticconnector gas pipeline connecting Estonia and Finland.
Finnish authorities said on Tuesday that they believed the data cable breach was also linked to the Chinese vessel in question.
#Kallas #facts #established #defendants #Balticconnector
Interview with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Recent Incidents in the Baltic Sea
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. There has been a considerable amount of concern regarding the Balticconnector incident and the damage to undersea cables. Can you share your thoughts on the adequacy of information being provided to the public?
Kaja Kallas: Thank you for having me. I understand the public’s desire for information, especially during high-profile incidents like these. However, each word we release is crucial, and we need to be cautious. The investigation is ongoing, and releasing premature statements could lead to misconceptions or conflict.
Interviewer: You mentioned that cooperation with Finland and Sweden is ongoing. How are the investigations structured, and what roles do Estonia and Finland play?
Kaja Kallas: Finland is leading the investigation into the Balticconnector incident, with expert assistance from Estonia. Conversely, the investigation into the undersea cable damage is being led by Estonia, supported by Finnish experts. This cross-border collaboration is critical for a thorough investigation.
Interviewer: In your recent statements, you’ve noted that the damage was caused by human activity rather than natural causes. Can you elaborate on what that means for the ongoing investigations?
Kaja Kallas: What we know is that the damage could not have been a result of any natural forces or marine life. We are aware that a criminal investigation is underway, which is why we are limited in what we can disclose publicly. It’s very important that we get this right and that we do not make unfounded claims.
Interviewer: Recently, Finnish investigators suggested that a Chinese container ship may have damaged the Balticconnector. How does this affect the narrative regarding the incident?
Kaja Kallas: Yes, the preliminary findings indicate that the Hong Kong-flagged ship Newnew Polar Bear could be connected to the damage. However, whether this was an intentional act, an accident, or simply an error is still to be determined as investigations continue.
Interviewer: Given the seriousness of these incidents, how has Estonia been collaborating with NATO in terms of security?
Kaja Kallas: We have been actively engaging with NATO regarding these security concerns. In response to the incidents, NATO has positioned ships in the Baltic Sea as a precaution to bolster defenses, which highlights our commitment to regional security and collaboration.
Interviewer: Many citizens are eager for clarity and answers concerning these events. What steps can the government take to ensure public confidence while investigations are ongoing?
Kaja Kallas: We will maintain transparency where possible, but we also must balance this with the integrity of the investigation. I encourage the public to remain patient as we seek the truth. Our priority is to ensure safety and security while respecting the ongoing legal processes.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Prime Minister Kallas. We hope for a resolution to these incidents soon.
Kaja Kallas: Thank you for having me, and I appreciate the public’s understanding as we navigate these complex issues.
Tentional act, an accident, or a result of negligence remains to be determined as the investigation progresses. We must refrain from jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts in place.
Interviewer: With NATO’s involvement and the deployment of ships to the Baltic Sea, what measures are being taken to ensure security in the region following these incidents?
Kaja Kallas: Our cooperation with NATO is crucial, and the movement of their vessels to the Baltic Sea is a clear indication of the seriousness of the situation. We are committed to maintaining a secure environment not just for Estonia but for all allied nations in the region. The safety and integrity of our undersea infrastructure are paramount.
Interviewer: Given the substantial cost of repairs and the implications of these incidents, what can you say about the timeframe for restoration of services?
Kaja Kallas: Repairing the Balticconnector is expected to take until at least the end of April 2024. We are working diligently to expedite this process while ensuring that safety and thorough investigation procedures are prioritized. The restoration of the communication cables will also be a focal point, as connectivity is vital for our nations.
Interviewer: Are there any final remarks you would like to make regarding the ongoing investigations or public communication?
Kaja Kallas: I want to assure the public that we are taking these investigations very seriously. As we continue to gather information, I ask for patience and understanding. The truth will come to light, and until we have concrete data, we must be responsible in what we share. Thank you for having me today.
Interviewer: Thank you, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, for your insights during this challenging time.
