Turkey is blocking NATO enlargement, blocking the accession of Sweden and Finland.
NATO ambassadors met today to begin accession talks as the two countries submitted their demands, but Ankara’s opposition blocked any vote, according to the Financial Times, citing a knowledgeable source.
The postponement raises doubts that NATO will be able to approve the first phase of the demands within a week or two, according to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
The Turkish president attacked the Western allies for not respecting Ankara’s “sensitivity” to the issue of terrorism and accused the two countries of refusing to extradite 30 people accused of terrorism in his country. “You do not surrender to terrorists but you want to join NATO. We cannot say yes to a security organization that lacks security.”
Erdogan, who has the power to veto, said NATO members should “understand, respect and support” Turkey’s concerns.
The Turkish newspaper Sabah presented list of Ankara’s 10 requirements. These include the demand to limit PKK funding as well as the crackdown on the Stockholm-based media outlets linked to Gulen.
“Historic moment”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke of a “historic moment” that “we must seize”, holding in the hands of Sweden and Finland’s applications for membership in the Alliance, with the ambassadors of the two countries at his side. .
“It’s a good day at a critical time for our security,” Stoltenberg added.
“Thank you for fulfilling the applications of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Every nation has the right to choose its path,” he continued.
“I warmly welcome the demands of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners and membership will increase common security,” he said.
He noted that the allies would consider the next steps in the process of joining the two Nordic countries and that the security interests of all allies would be taken into account.
“We are determined to work on all issues and reach quick conclusions,” Jens Stoltenberg concluded.
Source: Capital
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