The Turkish president answered reporter Mika Mäkeläinen’s question in Ankara.
Paula Tapiola,
Ilmari Reunamäki
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan according to which the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership is impossible until Turkey’s expectations are met.
‘s reporter commented on Erdoğan Mika Mäkeläinen In the Turkish Parliament in Ankara today, Wednesday.
– We have certain expectations from them. They must first meet our expectations. Before this, ratification is impossible, Erdoğan said.
Sweden has rushed to tighten its terrorism legislation to meet Turkey’s demands for ratification of NATO membership. In the new legislation, membership in a terrorist organization is criminalized.
Chairman of the Turkish Foreign Affairs Committee, representing Erdoğan’s party Akif Kılıç commented on Sweden’s NATO process to Mäkeläinen on Tuesday evening.
– It is important for us to see that the Swedish authorities implement these legal reforms. What do I mean by that? Terrorist organizations operating in Sweden must be stopped. They shouldn’t be allowed to run around doing whatever they want, Kılıç said.
Opposition: Sweden’s problems will be solved
Member of Parliament of the opposition İyi party Ahmet Erozan told Mäkeläinen on Tuesday evening that tying Sweden’s NATO membership to the threat of terrorism is purposeful on Erdoğan’s part, and is intended for domestic discussion.
– As the elections approached, Erdoğan wanted confrontation with some countries. In this case, he chose Finland and Sweden, Erozan stated.
– But Erdoğan’s term is over, and your problems will be solved soon.
Kılıç promised that if the opposition wins the Turkish parliamentary elections, Sweden’s NATO membership will be confirmed quickly. Turkish elections will be held in May.