NATO chief welcomes steps by Sweden, Finland in line with Turkey's demands

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Sweden and Finland are taking steps to eliminate Turkey's security concerts, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said.

NATO remained in close contact with the three countries to address Turkey's concerns swiftly and move forward with Sweden and Finland's accession, Stoltenberg said yesterday (June 13) at a joint press conference with PM Magdalena Andersson of Sweden.

"It is clear that Sweden's and Finland's memberships in NATO would boost transatlantic security. It will enable closer Nordic and closer Baltic defense cooperation and will strengthen the alliance's presence in the High North."

He stressed that the security concerns of all NATO allies should be addressed.

The NATO chief said Andersson confirmed Sweden's readiness to address Turkey's concerns.

When asked about the talks among Sweden, Finland, Turkey, and NATO, Stoltenberg said, "I don't think it would be helpful if I go into the details of those talks."

However, he added, "They indicate that Sweden and Finland are ready in a concrete way to address concerns related to terrorism."

"I welcome that Sweden has already started to change its counterterrorism legislation, and that Sweden will ensure that the legal framework for arms export will reflect their future status as a NATO member with new commitments to allies," he remarked.

"We are taking Turkey's concerns seriously"

For her part, Andersson said Sweden is taking Turkey's concerns about Sweden and Finland's applications to join NATO "very seriously."

Both Sweden and Finland will be security providers for the region and for the entire NATO, including Turkey, she said.

The PM said they have much stronger legislation in the fight against terrorism than they had before. "We have a much stricter regulation when it comes to financing of terrorism."

Sweden will recognize the security challenges of the alliance and be an active and constructive member, Andersson added.

Ankara's objections

Sweden and Finland on May 18 formally applied to join NATO. Accusing them, especially the former, of providing a safe haven for "terrorists," Turkey has opposed their membership.

Turkey has demanded the two countries take concrete steps regarding "terrorists" and asked Sweden to lift an "arms sales embargo."

The two countries have stated that they are ready to address Turkey's concerns, with Sweden signaling it may resume arms exports to Turkey. (VK)