By: Albin Lindström/TT
Published: Just now
Sweden has brought the first prosecution for terrorist financing by the PKK. But it is unlikely that it will be enough for Turkey to give the green light to Sweden’s NATO application, according to Michael Sahlin, former ambassador to Turkey.
– The indictment shows a direction, but I don’t think that in itself affects Turkey’s decision.
It was in January that the man, who is in his 40s and a Turkish citizen, uttered threats and fired shots outside a restaurant in Stockholm. According to the prosecutor, the investigation provides support for the suspicions that the man acted on behalf of the terrorist organization PKK.
Now he is charged with attempted financing of terrorism, aggravated extortion and aggravated weapons offences.
“Shows direction of travel”
Turkey has requested that Sweden take concrete measures against the PKK in order to approve the blue-yellow NATO application.
Michael Sahlin, former Turkish ambassador, says that the indictment is an example of Sweden showing the ability and willingness to immediately apply the new terror legislation that came into force on June 1. However, he does not believe that the indictment in itself is enough for Turkey to open the door to Sweden.
– If Turkey insists that they first want to see how Sweden applies its new law before evaluating it, it is not enough that a prosecution is brought, says Michael Sahlin to TT.
– The indictment shows a direction, but I don’t think that in itself affects Turkey’s decision.
Up to the USA
All NATO countries except Turkey and Hungary have approved Sweden’s application.
Sweden’s hope is that the countries will approve it in time for the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11. But for that to happen, the US above all has to give in to Turkey’s demands, including the demand to buy the American fighter jet F-16, says Michael Sahlin.
– Only the USA has something that Turkey wants. Then of course I’m talking about F-16 planes and whatever else it might be about, he says.