Topline
Turkey blocked an effort Wednesday to fast-track Finland and Sweden’s NATO applications, potentially preventing a swift accession to the alliance due to concerns from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the two countries support organizations Turkey considers to be terrorists.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during his party’s group meeting at the … [+]
Key Facts
Turkey prevented a procedural vote to open accession talks on the same day Finland and Sweden submitted their official applications to join the alliance, multiple news outlets report.
Turkey reportedly said it needed time to work through issues related to Finland and Sweden joining the alliance, and provided a list of grievances to NATO ambassadors detailing concerns of the two countries’ support for Kurdish groups, which Turkey considers to be “terrorists.”
A Turkish official told the Financial Times Turkey isn’t “saying they can’t be NATO members,” adding they want to reach an agreement, and “the sooner we can reach an agreement, the sooner the membership discussions can start.”
Finland and Sweden, along with some Western allies, have offered support to the Kurdish people and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, while Turkey has been fighting against armed Kurdish groups for decades.
The New York Times reports Turkey’s opposition to the two countries’ applications isn’t considered to be its final position, but is likely an effort to get member countries to take their concerns more seriously.
A NATO official said in a statement to Forbes “the security interests of all Allies have to be taken into account,” and that the alliance is “determined to work through all issues and reach a rapid conclusion.”
Key Background
Erdogan has voiced opposition to Finland and Sweden joining NATO in the past week, saying their support for the Kurds raises questions about adding the two countries as NATO members. A senior Turkish official told Bloomberg Friday that Turkey wants Finland and Sweden to take a clear stance against Kurdish militants fighting in southeast Turkey, and that Turkey will hold negotiations over their membership. Erdogan’s spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin clarified Saturday that Turkey isn’t attempting to block Finland and Sweden’s bids entirely, but wants to ensure that the national security of all NATO members is taken into consideration. All 30 NATO members must unanimously approve new countries, meaning if Turkey continues to oppose Finland and Sweden’s accession, it could single-handedly block the two countries from joining the alliance.
Chief Critic
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters Sunday that Turkey’s intention is not to block membership. “I’m confident that we will be able to address the concerns that Turkey has expressed in a way that doesn’t delay the membership or the accession process,” Stoltenberg said. “My intention is still to have a quick and swift process.”
Crucial Quote
President Joe Biden released a statement of support Wednesday for Finland and Sweden’s applications, saying the U.S. will work with the two countries “to remain vigilant against any threats” and “to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression.” “Finland and Sweden are longtime, stalwart partners of the United States,” Biden said. “By joining NATO, they will further strengthen our defense cooperation and benefit the entire Transatlantic Alliance.”
Further Reading
‘Historic Moment’: Finland And Sweden Submit Applications To Join NATO (Forbes)
Turkey Opposes Finland And Sweden Joining NATO, Erdogan Says (Forbes)
Sweden Formally Asks To Join NATO As Finnish Parliament Backs Bid — Here’s What To Watch For Next (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/annakaplan/2022/05/18/turkey-blocks-start-of-talks-on-finland-and-swedens-nato-applications/