US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Joe Biden administration did not link the sale of F-16s to Turkey with Sweden’s membership in NATO, that this sale was in the interest of the United States, but that both issues should proceed as soon as possible. Asked about Sweden’s NATO membership, Blinken said, “Joining NATO is a process. During this process, Alliance members can raise issues of concern to them. And of course Turkey has done that in the last few months.” gave the answer.
“I THINK TURKEY IS SUCCESSFUL”
Emphasizing that Sweden and Finland took very important steps regarding Turkey’s reservations during the NATO membership process, Blinken said, “I think it is Turkey’s success that all members of the alliance have focused on some (security) concerns. The fact that they have taken concrete steps is also the success of Sweden and Finland.” made its assessment.
On the other hand, Blinken pointed out that the time has come for Sweden’s participation in NATO, “It has taken very important steps to address very legitimate concerns. Therefore, we look forward to the completion of this process in the coming weeks. We have no doubt that it can and should happen, and we expect it to happen.” .
CLAIMS THAT THE US F-16 SALE TO TURKEY IS AFFILIATED WITH SWEDEN’S NATO MEMBERSHIP
Blinken said: “Sweden’s NATO membership and F-16s are different issues. But both are, in our opinion, of vital importance for European security. Therefore, we consider both Turkey and Hungary a part of Sweden’s NATO membership. We urge you to ratify as soon as possible its participation in Sweden. There is no longer any need for Sweden to be ready. Our administration has been very clear about the F-16s. Turkey is a critical member of the NATO alliance. We believe it is important for the Alliance to operate to the highest standards and be fully interoperable with all other Allies.
While we don’t link the two issues, and by we I mean the Biden administration, it’s equally true that some members of Congress have linked Sweden’s participation in NATO to progress on the F-16s. Congress is a fully equal and independent body of government. Their voices and votes are of course critical in such decisions. But from our point of view, both should move forward as soon as possible.”