Turkey Blocks Start Of Talks On Finland And Sweden’s NATO Applications

Turkey blocked an effort to fast-track the NATO applications of Sweden and Finland due to concerns from the Turkish President that the two countries support terrorist organizations.

Multiple news outlets report that Turkey prevented a procedural vote to open accession talks on the same day that Sweden and Finland submitted applications to join the alliance.

Turkey gave a list of grievances to NATO ambassadors about the support of Kurdish groups in Sweden and Finland, which it considers to be terrorists.

Turkey isn't saying they can't be NATO members, but they want to reach an agreement, an official told the Financial Times.

Turkey has been fighting against armed Kurdish groups for decades, while some Western allies have offered support to the Kurds.

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 told Forbes that 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.

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In the past week, Erdogan has voiced opposition to NATO membership for Sweden and Finland, saying their support for the Kurds raises questions. A senior Turkish official told the news agency that Turkey will hold negotiations over Sweden's membership in order to get them to take a clear stance against Kurdish fighters in southeast Turkey. Ibrahim Kalin, a spokesman for the president, said Saturday that Turkey isn't trying to block the bids of Sweden and Finland, but wants to make sure that the national security of all NATO members is taken into account. If Turkey continues to oppose the accession of two countries, it could block them from joining the alliance.

Chief Critic

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters that Turkey's intentions are not to block membership.

Crucial Quote

The U.S. will work with the two countries to remain vigilant against any threats, according to a statement released by President Joe Biden.

The historic moment is that Finland and Sweden apply to join NATO.

Turkey doesn't want Sweden to join NATO, says the president.

Here is what to watch for next as Sweden formally asks to join NATO.