Erdogan says Turkey has no ‘positive opinion’ about Sweden and Finland joining NATO

*Paromita Das
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Finland and Sweden should not join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

He accused both countries of harboring “terrorist organisations,” and stated that Turkey has no “positive opinion” about them.

Erdogan said he does not want to repeat a “mistake” made by Turkey’s former rulers when they approved Greece’s NATO membership in 1952.
He had previously condemned the Nordic countries for harboring extremist Kurdish groups as well as supporters of Fethullah Gulen, a US-based preacher wanted in connection with a failed 2016 coup.

Following Erdogan’s remarks, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki stated that the administration is “working to clarify Turkey’s position.”

She also stated that other NATO members have expressed strong support for Finland and Sweden joining the transatlantic alliance.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stated, “Turkey continues to be a valuable NATO ally.”

“They have been involved and helpful in attempting to restart dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, as well as providing assistance to Ukraine.” So their position in the NATO alliance remains unchanged “He continued.
Finland and Sweden want to join NATO to deter Russian aggression following its invasion of Ukraine. However, they require unanimous approval from all members, and Turkey’s stance may act as a potential impediment to the nation’s membership bid.