US wants explanations for Erdogan’s negative stance on Sweden, Finland joining NATO

The United States is trying to clarify Turkey’s position on the possible accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, said today the Deputy Foreign Minister, who is responsible for European and Eurasian affairs, after the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier that Ankara does not support the request of the two countries.

Speaking to reporters, Karen Donfried said the issue would be discussed at a cabinet meeting. NATO to be hosted over the weekend in Berlin.

US President Joe Biden spoke today with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Anderson and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in a phone call that lasted just over half an hour, according to the White House.

The Finnish president wrote on Twitter that he “presented Finland’s next steps towards NATO membership” and added that his country “is deeply grateful to the United States for its support”.

Turkey today threatened to block the two countries from joining NATO. This process can only be completed if the request is unanimously approved by all the member countries of the Pact.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki reiterated on Thursday that Washington would support the request, while NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he was ready to welcome the two countries “with open arms”.

Source: News Beast

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