Turkey has set ten conditions for Sweden and Finland in response to the lifting of the veto on NATO membership.
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Finland and Sweden against the background of the events in Ukraine on May 18 handed over to the NATO Secretary General an application for joining the alliance. Turkey has blocked the start of the review process for these applications. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankaran could say yes to Finland and Sweden’s membership in NATO, because he could not believe their assurances about relations with representatives of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, banned in Turkey.
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“Both countries were asked to support Ankara in its fight against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) banned in Turkey and the organization of the Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen (FETÖ) and their affiliates. It was stated that Sweden and Finland, which are supporters of terrorist organizations, should establish the necessary legal norms and legal infrastructure to combat terrorism. It was emphasized that attempts to open PKK offices in their countries should be stopped. It was proposed not to allow FETÖ activities carried out by countries and to close the relevant website and media outlets,” the experts say.
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Turkey went on to demand the freezing of assets and the closure of associations associated with terrorism.
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“Special attention is being paid to the deportation and extradition of persons associated with terrorism in Sweden and Finland. It was stated that terrorist organizations such as the PKK are prohibited from allowing demonstrations. Two (Sweden and Finland) were asked to share intelligence with Turkey. Both countries were asked to lift restrictions defense industry against Turkey. It was also stated that if Sweden and Finland become members of NATO, they must fulfill these obligations,” the statement said.
