As for Sweden, discussions with Turkey continue and there are no signs of a softer approach from President Erdogan.
– How the process continues depends on what concrete steps Sweden takes, Erdogan says at the press conference.
The president said Sweden had not done enough to meet Turkey’s demands. He still wants Turkey to extradite those on a list of 120 names it considers “terrorists”.
– Erdogan says Sweden has opened its doors to terrorists.
US puts pressure on Turkey
On Friday, the US urged Turkey to quickly approve Sweden’s NATO application, reports said Reuters.
“Both Sweden and Finland are strong, capable partners who share NATO’s values and will strengthen the alliance and contribute to European security. The United States hopes that both countries will become members of NATO as soon as possible,” White House National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan said in a statement.
Britain’s defense minister also said he would work closely with Turkey to ensure Sweden’s NATO application is approved as soon as possible.
– Great Britain will stand side by side with Sweden against all Russian threats, he writes in a statement Twitter.
Niinistö wants to see the Swedish members
Hungary, the only country besides Turkey not to recognize Sweden and Finland’s applications, will vote on March 27 on whether to recognize Finland’s NATO membership, Reuters reported on Friday. The way is open to Finnish members.
When Sauli Niinistö spoke at the press conference, he highlighted the importance of Sweden also being accepted as a NATO member. Sweden and Finland share geographic interests and are important from a Baltic Sea perspective, he said.
– Niinisto adds that Finnish membership would not be complete without Sweden:
– In Vilnius (where the next NATO summit will be held, Ed. Note) I would like to see an alliance with 32 members.
read more: Five Points: Will Sweden and Finland join hands again?
read more: Swedish arms “overweight” for Ukraine
read more: Lunch and talks when Xi and Putin meet
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