NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that Sweden and Finland could join the alliance from 2023, indicating that the decision is subject to approval by the parliaments of Turkey and Hungary.
“I expect that (the accession process will take place in 2023), but I do not guarantee the exact date, because this is, of course, the sovereign decision of the Turkish and Hungarian parliaments (which) have not yet ratified the agreement,” Stoltenberg said. today, Sunday, in an interview with Agence France Presse.
It is known that Hungary and, in particular, Turkey, have been working since May to prevent the two countries from joining NATO.
The Alliance Secretary General added: “We were in talks and it took last July when Turkey, Finland and Sweden agreed on a joint memorandum describing how to intensify their cooperation regarding arms exports as well as the fight against terrorism.”
He continued: “Finland and Sweden respected this agreement and made a clear commitment to cooperate with Turkey in the long term on these issues. Therefore, the time has come to complete the accession process and ratify the accession protocol.”
Earlier in the day, the Swedish Prime Minister condemned some of Turkey’s demands.
Also in December last year, the Swedish Supreme Court refused to extradite journalist Boland Kenish, as requested by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“Of course, I hope it happens as soon as possible. But so far this is a fast process compared to all the annexations to the Atlantic,” said Stoltenberg.
He concluded by saying, “I am convinced that this will happen, but I will not speculate on the timing of the accession process.”
Source: AFP.
