Finland: It does not want nuclear weapons or NATO bases on its territory

The NATO has shown no interest in installing nuclear weapons or permanent bases in Finland, said in an interview published today in an Italian newspaper the country’s Prime Minister, Sana Marin. “There is not even any interest (within NATO) in installing nuclear weapons or bases in Finland,” Marin told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, according to her office.

Finland, Sweden formally apply for NATO membership yesterday Wednesday, a decision triggered by Russian invasion of Ukrainebut face Turkish objections to the accession process that was initially expected to be relatively quick.

During her visit to Rome to meet with her Italian counterpart Mario DraghiMarin considered that the issue could be resolved through dialogue.

“I think at this stage it is important to remain calm, to have talks with Turkey and all the other member states, to answer any questions and to correct any misunderstandings,” Marin told the Italian newspaper. Corriere della Sera.

As Marin also said, her subject development of nuclear weapons by NATO or the establishment of bases in Finland is not part of Helsinki accession negotiations with the Western military alliance.

“I do not think there is any interest in developing nuclear weapons or opening NATO bases in Finland,” Marin said.

Magdalena Anderson, the prime minister of the neighborhood Swedenwhich, like Finland, has applied to join NATO, has also said that its country does not want permanent NATO bases or nuclear weapons on its territory.

Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, has expressed opposition to Finland and Sweden’s demands. accusing the Scandinavian neighbors of sponsoring individuals linked to organizations that Ankara considers terrorist.

Ankara has also invoked arms embargoes from the two countries on Turkey following Erdogan’s order in his army in 2019 to attack PKK-linked Kurds in Syria.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Anderson are expected to meet later today in Washington with US President Joe Biden.

Italy, as reported by APE-MPE, strongly supports the demands of Finland and Sweden to join NATO and intends to speed up any internal procedures for the two countries to join the Alliance as soon as possible, as Draghi said yesterday after his meeting with Marin.