In the same pattern of statements, Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to raise objections to the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland. A few hours after claiming that Helsinki and Stockholm are cooperating with organizations under the control of the "terrorist PKK," he called on the Swedish prime minister to stop supporting terrorist groups, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
It will be recalled that 24 hours ago, Sweden's foreign minister had taken a stand against "misinformation" about Sweden and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
"In view of the widespread misinformation about Sweden and the PKK, we would like to recall that the Swedish government of Ulf Palme was the first since Turkey to classify the PKK as a terrorist organization as early as 1984," Foreign Minister Anne Linde had written on Twitter.
However, the Turkish president's provocative rhetoric was also evident during talks with the British prime minister. "Sweden and Finland's relations with persons and organizations operating under the control of the YPG/PKK terrorist organization are the main problem for their NATO membership," Erdogan said during the phone call with Johnson.
Erdogan reiterated that Sweden and Finland should respond to Turkish concerns and support NATO principles.
The talks also touched on developments in the war in Ukraine.
Biden: Finland and Sweden meet all criteria to join NATO
[/P]Full support for Finland's and Sweden's bids to join NATO was given by US President Joe Biden when he received the leaders of the two countries at the White House.
With Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at his side, Biden stressed that both countries meet "all the criteria" for NATO membership.
"I proudly assure you that they have the full support of the United States," he said. He even reiterated that the US would work with the two Scandinavian countries to "counter any attack" they might face in the interim period until they join the Alliance.
President of Finland to Turkey: "We will give clear answers"
"Helsinki will examine the objections raised by Turkey regarding the prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO and will give clear answers." Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said after his meeting at the White House with his US counterpart Joe Biden and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.
"We have reasons to examine in detail what Turkey has expressed and give clear answers," Niinisto told reporters, adding that he believes the issue should be discussed at a "higher level".
He called US President Joe Biden's assurances on how to deal with any attack on the two Scandinavian countries in the period between now and their accession to the North Atlantic Alliance a "very convincing expression of support". He added that, like Sweden, he appreciated the ability of the US to respond in the event of such a need.
The Finnish president stressed the need for "flexibility" in terms of exercises with NATO and the transfer of military equipment. No one should be given an excuse to overreact, he said, taking a picture of Russia.
Niinisto assessed that at this stage there was little hope for peace in Ukraine, citing among other things his recent communication with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Source: protothema.gr
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