German FM on Ukraine, Nord Stream 2, Libya conference

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas firmly rejected the idea of weapons deliveries to Ukraine on Tuesday, while highlighting Germany's support for the country in diplomacy and in bilateral aid.

Maas spoke at a news conference in Berlin and also commented on talks about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline currently taking place between Germany and the United States in Washington.

The US has battled for years to block the pipeline, now 95% complete, though construction has not yet started on its German leg.

The pipeline will carry natural gas from Russia to Germany, increasing Russia's leverage as a vital energy supplier in Europe.

The US argues that the pipeline threatens European energy security, heightens Russia's influence and poses risks to Ukraine and Poland in bypassing both countries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended the project, noting that Russian gas already flows freely into Europe along other routes, including the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea to Germany.

Nord Stream 2 is owned by Russian state company Gazprom, with investment from several European companies.

Domestic critics in Germany have argued that the pipeline should be abandoned because of Russia's treatment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Maas also confirmed that Germany and the United Nations are planning to host a conference on Libya in Berlin on June 23.

The gathering aims to bring together powers with interests in the North African country and its transitional government.

The agenda will include discussions for preparations for elections in December and the withdrawal of foreign forces.

The meeting, announced on Tuesday, is expected to take place at the level of foreign ministers and follows up on a first Berlin conference held in January 2020 at which leaders agreed to respect an arms embargo and push Libya's warring parties to reach a full cease-fire.

Germany has been trying to act as an intermediary.