Turkey blocks Finland and Sweden from joining NATO?

Finland and Sweden officially applied to join NATO today, May 18which reflects the major shift in public opinion in these two Nordic countries since Russia launched the campaign. military in Ukraine, from February 24, according to Reuters.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg presents Finland and Sweden’s applications to join NATO in Brussels, Belgium on May 18. AFP

NATO ambassadors met on May 18 to open talks on Finland and Sweden’s application to join the alliance, but Ankara’s objections stopped any relevant voting, according to the report. Financial Times cite an informed source.

The delay casts doubt on NATO’s ability to pass the first phase of the Swedish and Finnish application review process within a week or two, as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has revealed. previously revealed, according to Financial Times. This will also lead to diplomatic tension between the US, Finland and Sweden and Turkey for several days.

All 30 current NATO member states must ratify Finland and Sweden’s applications to join the alliance, but the process only begins once NATO issues a document of accession and formally invites it. two Nordic countries became members.

NATO declined to comment on the above information, only repeating Secretary General Stoltenberg’s statement that “the security interests of all countries must be considered” and that “we are determined to work to resolve all issues”. and reach a quick conclusion”.

Meanwhile, speaking in parliament today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attacked Western allies for not respecting Ankara’s “sensitivity” on terrorism. Mr. Erdogan, who has veto power over Finland and Sweden’s applications to join NATO, accused the two countries of refusing to extradite 30 people accused of terrorism-related crimes in his country. according to Financial Times.

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