Handelsblatt: Turkey demands security guarantees for Finland, Sweden accession to NATO

Turkey sets conditions for saying “yes” to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, thus threatening the unity of the alliance in its stance against Russia, according to Handelsblatt.

At a meeting of foreign ministers of the alliance’s 30 countries in Berlin at the weekend, Turkey called for support in the fight against the banned Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria. In addition, Ankara criticized many countries for restricting arms deliveries to Turkey due to the Turkish struggle against these groups.

In Berlin on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoλουlu called the restrictions “unacceptable” and called for them to be lifted. Earlier, he said that the majority of the Turkish population was against Sweden and Finland joining NATO because of the restrictions, “and they call on us to stop them.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had described the Nordic countries as “hostels of terrorist organizations”.

The statements also overshadowed Finland’s official announcement on Sunday that it would apply to join NATO. It is considered historic, as neighboring Russia has been emphasizing its neutrality for decades.

However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg does not expect Turkey’s objections to delay the two Nordic countries’ accession to NATO. Turkey had made it clear that it did not want to block accession, Stoltenberg said at the end of the meeting of foreign ministers. “Therefore, I am confident that we will be able to address the objections raised by Turkey in a way that will not delay the accession process.”

The leader of the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin, had tried until the last minute to prevent Finland from taking this step. In a telephone conversation with Finnish President Sauli Niinistro, he described the accession plans as a mistake. Finland ‘s departure from its traditional neutrality would lead to a deterioration in good neighborly relations.

Among NATO partners, Turkey’s indirect veto threats have therefore caused considerable resentment. Germany and most of its other allies welcome the fact that Finland and Sweden have begun preparations for NATO membership in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Their acceptance would strengthen NATO as a defense alliance, but also as an alliance of values, Foreign Minister Analena Berbok (Greens) stressed on Sunday.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who attended the final press conference only by teleconference due to coronavirus infection, expressed similar views. The Norwegian, referring to Finland and Sweden, said: “If they decide to apply, it will be a historic moment.”

How Turkey can be prevented from vetoing Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership remained unclear at first. According to diplomats, in addition to the statements of the two northern countries on the fight against terrorism, US concessions could also play a role. The Ankara government wants to buy F-16 fighter jets from the Americans and hopes to end the dispute over the acquisition of the Russian S-400 anti-missile system.

Turkey had ordered the S-400 system in 2017 despite strong protests from the US and NATO. The United States then excluded Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program after the surrender and imposed sanctions. According to Washington, the use of the system would endanger the safety of US troops and US military technology.

It is not yet clear whether there are also specific requirements from Germany. The previous German government had partially stopped arms exports to Turkey after the Turkish invasion of northern Syria in October 2019.

Germany could complete ratification before parliament’s summer recess

Burbok declined to comment on the details of the dispute after the NATO meeting. He stressed that the German government is aiming for a speedy approval of the possible accession of Finland and Sweden to Germany. In the event that both countries decide in favor of accession, she said that it is very important for her “in this truly historic moment, that there should be no sticking”. Everything is ready for a quick validation process.

This step will take place after the completion of NATO’s internal process for the accession of the two Nordic countries – in Germany, ratification requires the approval of the Bundestag. Burbock said the federal government had already spoken to all of Parliament’s Democratic parties on the issue and announced a cabinet decision as soon as possible, as well as special Bundestag meetings.

According to government sources, Germany could even complete the ratification process before Parliament’s summer recess, if Turkey does not block the accession process. Ideally, NATO’s internal processes should be completed by June.

Finnish Foreign Minister Peka Haavisto and his Swedish counterpart Anne Linde took part in the consultations in Berlin as guests on Saturday night. “I am confident we will find a solution to this issue,” said Haavisto. He acknowledged, however, that this could take some time. There is a possibility of a rift in NATO circles following talks by the Turkish Foreign Minister in Washington. These are scheduled for the middle of the week.

Despite Turkish objections, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana expressed confidence that Sweden and Finland would be admitted to NATO. If the two countries apply for membership in the coming days, he said, he expects. “that we can welcome them and that all the conditions for membership will be met.”

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn also expected an agreement. “Politics is sometimes theatrical and sometimes it’s like a bargain you have to negotiate to the end,” he said. In the end, however, we will succeed.