As Finland and Sweden head down the path toward membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Turkey could pose a major hurdle. In order to …
As Finland and Sweden head down the path toward membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Turkey could pose a major hurdle. In order to gain entry into the 30-member military alliance, all countries must approve new applicants. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his concern this week, claiming the two countries refuse to extradite « terrorists ». Turkey accuses Sweden and Finland of harboring members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) which it views as a terrorist organization. Swedish officials deny the accusation and say they will send diplomats to Turkey to discuss further. The Turkish comments strike a very different chord from the rest of the group. Nearly all members support the expansion, including the U.S. « The United States would strongly support the NATO application by either Sweden or Finland should they choose to formally apply to the alliance. We will respect whatever decision they make », commented Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Historically, the two Nordic countries have taken stances of military non-alignment however the threat of war on European soil has prompted world leaders to reevaluate relationships. Finland shares more than 800 miles of border with Russia. Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced the country would officially seek to join the group.
