Breaking news: Two Scandinavian countries Sweden and Finland decided to join NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey stated that the countries did not take kindly to the decision due to its principle links with the terrorist organization PKK. Later, information came that the two countries would visit Ankara to discuss membership with Turkey.
CRITICAL PROCESS STARTED
It was stated that Sweden and Finland would apply to NATO together. According to the latest information, two countries have made an official application. The application was submitted to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
After this application, the participation calendar, which is expected to take only a few weeks, will start to run.
For the two countries to become members of NATO, the parliaments of 30 NATO member countries will need approval.
Diplomats say parliamentary approvals could take up to a year.
TURKEY CONDITIONED
Due to PKK activities in Sweden and Finland, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey was not positive about the membership of the two countries. Regarding the visit of the Swedish and Finnish delegations to Turkey, Erdogan said, “Will they come to persuade us? They should not be sorry, they should never get tired.”
Swedish Prime Minister Magdelena Andersson said that they are looking forward to establishing cooperation with Turkey within the organization.
On the other hand, it was stated that a 10-item manifesto was prepared by Turkey, which includes the conditions for the two countries to become members of the alliance.
(Reuters)