“Its doors NATO “We are open and we will welcome Sweden and Finland with open arms,” said the German Foreign Minister. Analena Berbock and assured that the Allies would take care of the ratification process as soon as possible.
The Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg For his part, he said that as long as the process lasts, the Alliance will strengthen its presence in the wider region.
“Sweden and Finland are as if they have already become members, they just have not yet received the membership card,” Ms Burbock said after the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Berlin on Saturday and today. and stressed that Russia had created exactly the situation it was trying to prevent – it is likely that two countries that did not intend to join NATO before 24 February will join. “If these countries decide to join, it will be a fundamental change in the perception of security and peace in Europe,” he added.
The Foreign Minister also assured that Germany will do everything possible to make the sensitive transition phase last as short as possible and that there is no “gray zone” at all. The federal government, he explained, will implement a “fast track” and the same estimates that Parliament will do the same.
Mr Stoltenberg said in a statement that all members agreed that NATO’s doors were open to Sweden and Finland and that the enlargement process was a success. “If they apply, it will be a historic moment for them, for NATO, for Europe and for the transatlantic link. “Their accession will strengthen the stability of Finland and Sweden, Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area.”
Regarding Russia’s threats to Finland and Sweden, the NATO Secretary General noted that the Alliance’s military presence in the eastern and Baltic regions has increased, as well as airspace surveillance and preparedness for a possible hybrid attack, or cyber attack. “Finland and Sweden are concerned about the transition period from the application to the ratification of the Accession Protocol by all allies,” Stoltenberg said. “We will try to speed up the process. there will be such a period. “The integration of the two countries is of great importance for NATO, which will increase its presence in the Baltic region and around the two countries, in consultation with them, of course,” he added.
With regard to Turkey’s reservations about Sweden and Finland joining the Alliance, the Stoltenberg noted that “Turkey has made it clear that it does not intend to block access” and said that NATO would be able to respond to its concerns. “In a way that will not delay the accession process” of the two countries. “Turkey is an important partner. Has expressed some concerns (…) When an ally raises concerns, we have proven for decades that we are able to sit (at the table) and find consensus to move forward. This is what we intend to do in this case as well. “Because all the allies recognize the historical magnitude of the moment.”
On the same subject, Analena Berbok pointed out that the informal format of the NATO meeting was confidential and limited herself to stating that meetings had taken place between the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Sweden and Finland and that she considered that all members understood that for issue of historical importance.
Referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which was the subject of today’s meeting of Ministers, Ms. Berbok stressed that “we must not stop our efforts to support Ukraine – as long as we need Ukraine itself in order to defend itself.” and predicted that this war would not end soon.
Source: News Beast
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