During the NATO membership negotiations between Turkey, Sweden and Finland, the burning of the Holy Quran in front of the Stockholm Embassy and the attacks against President Erdoğan further escalated the tension. The first response to Erdogan’s statement, “You will not see any support on NATO,” after the Cabinet meeting last night, came not from Sweden, but from Finland, where he continues the membership process together.
“NATO MEETINGS SHOULD BE STOPPED”
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said, “Negotiations between Sweden-Finland-Turkey need to be interrupted. It is best to continue after the situation calms down. Finland cannot advance in NATO without Sweden.”
“WE MADE THE DECISION TO CONTINUE COMMUNICATION WITH TURKEY LIKE THE OLD”
Haavisto also said, “I met with the Turkish Foreign Minister (Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu) yesterday and the situation is intense due to the elections, but we hope that this process can still progress. We agreed to maintain communication with Turkey as before. There may be a possible delay in the calendar due to the elections in Turkey.” made.
“WE WILL NOT SUPPORT NATO”
After the recent scandal at the group meeting yesterday, Erdogan said, “If the Swedish administration is so respectful to rights and freedoms, you will first respect the religious beliefs of the Republic of Turkey and Muslims. If you do not show this respect, sorry you will not receive any support from us on NATO.”