Erdogan named the price and conditions for joining NATO for Sweden/Getty images
Against the backdrop of Russia's armed aggression in Ukraine, Sweden and Finland announced their intention to join NATO. Not all countries have accepted such a decision.
In particular, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He stated that his country would not support the application of both countries. On May 21, Erdogan named two conditions that could change his decision to join NATO for Sweden. He announced them during a telephone conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.
Back to news | >Also said that the arms export embargo imposed on Turkey following its 2019 invasion of Syria should be lifted. Only then Erdogan will probably not prevent Sweden from joining NATO.
At the same time, Andersson said that she appreciates this call and Sweden hopes to strengthen bilateral relations with Turkey.
I stressed that Sweden welcomes the possibility of cooperation in the fight against international terrorism, and emphasize that Sweden clearly supports the fight against terrorism and the listing of the PKK as terrorists. she added in a statement.
It should be notedTurkey accuses Sweden and Finland of hiding people associated with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants and followers of Fethullah Gülen, whom Ankara believes was behind the 2016 coup attempt. Back to news »
Turkey blocks Sweden and Finland from joining NATO: briefly
- Sweden and Finland decided to join NATO against the backdrop of Russian aggression in Ukraine. On May 18, both countries officially applied to join the Alliance. Experts believe that the Scandinavian countries can get membership at the next NATO summit.
- However, Turkey surprised its NATO allies by denying the two countries join the military alliance.
- Subsequently, Erdogan's adviser Ibrahim Kalin explained Turkey's position in more detail. He stated that Turkey does not plan to block the process, but calls to settle certain problems and disagreements.
- After that, the head of Turkey made several critical statements. In particular, he said that he could not support Sweden's membership of Finland in NATO due to the fact that they are imposing sanctions against Turkey. In addition, he called the Scandinavian countries a “hotbed of terrorism.”
- After Sweden and Finland submitted applications, the Alliance's ambassadors intended to meet on May 18 to start negotiations. However, Turkey blocked this process.
- At the same time, US President Joseph Biden assured that a consensus could still be reached within the Alliance. He also stated that he supports Sweden and Finland's applications for NATO membership and promises protection for membership.
To the topic – what is known about the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO: watch the video
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