Turkey Delays Sweden's NATO Membership Ratification - Reuters
Date: 2023-11-23 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
Official information on this matter is currently unavailable. However, sources suggest that the commission may resume discussions on Tuesday or Wednesday when NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels.
Anticipation and Hope:
Some within the Western defense bloc had hoped that this meeting would mark Sweden's accession to NATO. The delay in ratification has created uncertainty and speculation regarding the reasons behind Turkey's decision.
Sweden and Finland's NATO Aspirations:
Both Sweden and Finland submitted their NATO membership requests in May of last year, following Russia's widespread military intervention in Ukraine. President Tayyip Erdogan initially opposed both requests, citing concerns that Scandinavian countries were defending individuals Turkey considers terrorists. Additionally, Turkey cited a trade embargo on defense products as a factor. While Turkey supported Finland's application in April, it insisted that Sweden wait, demanding additional measures against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), recognized as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.
Anticipation and Hope:
Some within the Western defense bloc had hoped that this meeting would mark Sweden's accession to NATO. The delay in ratification has created uncertainty and speculation regarding the reasons behind Turkey's decision.
Sweden and Finland's NATO Aspirations:
Both Sweden and Finland submitted their NATO membership requests in May of last year, following Russia's widespread military intervention in Ukraine. President Tayyip Erdogan initially opposed both requests, citing concerns that Scandinavian countries were defending individuals Turkey considers terrorists. Additionally, Turkey cited a trade embargo on defense products as a factor. While Turkey supported Finland's application in April, it insisted that Sweden wait, demanding additional measures against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), recognized as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.
