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Stoltenberg received the files with the official candidacies of the two Scandinavian countries. PHOTO: Reuters
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Turkey has set 10 conditions so as not to block the two Scandinavian countries
Neutral Austria, which is not a member of any military alliance, has no plans to join NATO, Chancellor Karl Nechamer was quoted as saying by the BBC. The Austrian leader pointed out that his country’s history is different from that of Finland and Sweden, and that it will maintain its military neutrality. However, Austria is in solidarity with Ukraine, supporting arms supplies to Kyiv and sanctions against Russia.
Vienna’s comments come after the long-awaited news that the two hitherto neutral Scandinavian countries have officially applied for membership in the North Atlantic Alliance. The move of Sweden and Finland is
the most significant change in the European security architecture
for decades. The ambassadors of the two countries, Klaus Korhonen from Helsinki and Axel Wernhof from Stockholm, handed over letters from their governments to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday at the pact’s headquarters in Brussels.
“This is a historic moment that we must take advantage of,” Stoltenberg said, receiving the letters, each in a white folder with an embossed national flag.
According to NATO members, the accession of Finland and Sweden will significantly strengthen it in the Baltic Sea region. The two neutral Scandinavian countries have sought security guarantees from NATO since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine in late February. They have completed their national decision-making process in record time. The Swedish government announced on Sunday that it had approved NATO’s bid, and on Tuesday the Finnish parliament also said yes to a similar decision by a 94% majority.
Thus begins the accession process, which is expected to take only a few weeks. However, the unanimous consent of all 30 members is required and everyone has the right to veto.
Most of the NATO members, including the United States, Britain, Germany. Denmark, Iceland, Norway and the Baltic states have said they strongly support the accession of the two countries, and will do everything possible to make this happen quickly. The only public objection was from Turkey, which later said it would not block enlargement. As early as Wednesday, however
Ankara hit the brakes at the start of the procedure
NATO ambassadors wanted talks to begin immediately, but Turkey’s disagreement has blocked the vote, the Financial Times reported, citing a source. The country has set 10 conditions so as not to veto Helsinki and Stockholm, Sabah writes.
Turkey’s expectations include clarifying the two countries ‘approach to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and halting financial support to the Kurdish organization and the People’s Protection Force (PfP), considered by Ankara to be the Syrian branch of the PKK. . The two countries must also give up support for any activities aimed at Turkey’s security. Speaking to lawmakers from the ruling Justice and Development Party, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained that NATO had never supported Turkey in its fight against Kurdish armed groups.
According to Stoltenberg, the problems can be solved. “We are determined to work on all issues and reach quick conclusions,” the NATO chief said, noting strong support from all other allies.
Following the approval of their intention, Sweden and Finland will spend a transitional period as candidates until
the parliaments of the 30 member states ratify the enlargement
Diplomats say it could take up to a year.
After weeks of Russia threatening revenge against NATO plans, which President Vladimir Putin called a “huge mistake”, he changed his tone sharply on Monday, saying Russia had “no problems” with Finland and Sweden and that their membership in NATO it will not be a problem unless the alliance sends more troops or weapons there.
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