Erdogan calls for Finland-Sweden accession to NATO: ‘We say no because our security is threatened’

Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO poses risks to Turkey’s security and the future of the Alliance, says Tayyip Erdogan, according to Hürriyet, in an article published in The Economist. The Turkish president warns Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as some NATO member states, to stop the “two meters and two weights” tactics in the fight against terrorism and not to forget Turkey’s contribution to the Alliance’s security over the past seven decades.

According to Hürriyet, the Turkish president notes in his article that “Turkey has every right to expect from these countries (Sweden and Finland), which will look forward to the second largest NATO army (p. p. the Turkish) to assist in their defense under Article 5, to obstruct the recruitment, fundraising and propaganda activities of the PKK, which the European Union and the United States consider a terrorist entity. ”

“We have given clear information to the authorities of these countries and we have been waiting for them to take action. Turkey also wants these countries to support the operations of NATO members against terrorism. Terrorism is a threat to all countries,” Erdogan said. “Member States and candidate countries must recognize this reality before joining. If they do not take the necessary measures, the Turkish Republic will not change its position on this issue.”

Erdogan explains Turkey’s long-term commitments to NATO and the Alliance’s collective security.

“While our partners have always valued Turkey’s contribution to NATO security, as soon as their national security ceased to be threatened, they quickly forgot about it. Our partners who remember Turkey’s value only in turbulent times, such as the Balkan crisis, mistakenly believed that there could be stability in the long run without Turkey. ”

Erdogan stressed that Turkey has always stressed the need for closer cooperation at NATO level on intelligence and military issues in dealing with terrorist organizations, not only to prevent attacks, but also to limit the financing and recruitment of terrorists within the borders. of NATO.

“Our country has dealt with all these crises on its own and paid a high price during this effort. Ironically, whatever measures were taken under the NATO umbrella would have prepared the Alliance for future conflicts and crises on its borders.” , he stated.

Finally, he stressed that “it is unfortunate that some members fail to fully appreciate certain threats to our country, while all NATO partners accept the critical importance of Turkey for the Alliance.”