Erdogan put forward a condition for Sweden and Finland to join NATO

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Sweden and Finland, NATO candidate candidates, to participate with his country in the fight against international terrorism in Syria. The nuance of such an invitation is that for Erdogan such terrorists are representatives of the Kurdish military formations, which for European countries are a national minority persecuted by Turkey.

Erdogan’s statement

“Can it be believed that the ignorant countries that call the operation Turkey is conducting to protect its southern borders from terrorists an “occupation” will participate in a joint fight with Ankara against a common enemy? with ISIS? What happened? Is such an alliance valid? No. Without receiving clear and satisfying answers to all questions for Turkey and without receiving clear documentary assurances, we will not change our positions, “Erdogan said during a speech in Parliament regarding the entry of Sweden and Finland in NATO.

Candidates response

Candidate countries continue to demonstrate their confidence that NATO is here to stay.

Finland and Sweden said on June 1 they would continue dialogue with Turkey over their NATO membership bids, Reuters reported, but did not say whether progress was being made on overcoming Ankara’s objections to their joining the military alliance.

“Together with Sweden, we will do our homework and prepare for the questions that Turkey has.”Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told reporters in Helsinki.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he would convene senior officials from Finland, Sweden and Turkey in Brussels in the coming days to discuss the issue.

Situation