Finland, Sweden join NATO: Turkish President Erdogan is tough

The above statement was made not long after Finland and Sweden officially announced their intention to join the military alliance mentioned above.

President Erdogan described the two countries as “guesthouses for terrorist organizations”, referring to the People’s Revolutionary Front for the Liberation (DHKP/C) and the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Ankara has been fighting. considered to be outlawed organizations.

“These countries do not have a clear and unequivocal stance against terrorist organizations. Sweden is a breeding ground for terrorist organizations. They bring terrorists to the table in their parliaments. We will not agree with them joining NATO, a security organization. They will come to convince us. Sorry, they don’t have to,” – President Erdogan said, at the same time affirming all efforts. persuading Ankara to change its stance will not succeed, according to the radio RT.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his country will not accept Finland and Sweden joining NATO. Photo: Reuters

The Swedish Foreign Ministry announced on May 16 that senior officials from Helsinki and Stockholm would visit Turkey to discuss the matter. However, Mr. Erdogan stressed at the press conference that such negotiations are pointless.

To join NATO, a country needs the approval of all 30 members. NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana earlier confirmed that he believes the organization can solve the problem related to Ankara’s objections.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 16 appeared to de-escalate his threats to retaliate against Sweden and Finland.

“In terms of NATO expansion, including new members Finland and Sweden, Russia has no problem with these countries. Therefore, there is no immediate threat to Russia from the fact that these countries this country joins NATO,” Putin said, hours after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Finland and Sweden of “serious consequences” if they joined NATO.

According to the Kremlin boss, the issue of NATO expansion is being used “aggressively” by the US to further complicate the already unpredictable global security situation. President Putin stressed that Moscow will react if NATO expands its military presence towards Russia’s territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists Moscow has no problem with Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Photo: Reuters