Estonia: underwater gas pipeline poses threat

Poland and several Baltic states intend to call on the European Commission to find an alternative route for the Nord Stream northern European gas pipeline. A Finnish newspaper reported the move was called for by Estonia.

The countries say the planned route through the Baltic Sea poses a threat to the environment.

The route will pass through Finnish, Swedish, Danish and German territorial waters.

This is the latest development in the ongoing saga of objections to the pipeline.

A Finnish newspaper reported that Estonia has sent a letter to the countries urging them to block the pipeline's construction, although Estonia denies the claims.

Estonia claims it wants the pipeline to go overland to protect the environment of the Baltic Sea.

The Nord Stream pipeline is intended to connect Russia and Germany directly bypassing transit countries.

Construction is due to be completed in 2012 and the company believes all difficulties will be resolved.