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NATO envoys failed to reach a consensus Wednesday on whether to start membership talks with Finland and Sweden, diplomats said, as Turkey reiterated its opposition to the two Nordic countries’ accession.
The envoys met at NATO headquarters in Brussels after the ambassadors of Finland and Sweden submitted written requests to join the military organization, a move that marks one of the biggest geopolitical consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine – and that can rewrite the security map of Europe.
The diplomats, who declined to be named because of the sensitive nature of the proceedings, declined to say exactly who or what was obstructing the proceedings. They noted the messages of many of the 30 NATO allies welcoming the demands of Finland and Sweden.
Lithuanian Ambassador Deividas Matulionis told Swedish and Finnish media that the envoys had exchanged views on their national security. “The discussion was on this issue, but it is up to Turkey to comment,” he said.
NATO officials also declined to give details. They underlined earlier comments Wednesday by Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that “we are determined to work on all issues and reach a speedy conclusion”. Diplomatic meetings and contacts aimed at resolving the issue will continue.
But Turkey is the only ally that has clearly expressed its opposition. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists Finland and Sweden should show more respect for Turkish concerns about terrorism. He is refusing to give up what he says is the two countries’s alleged support for Kurdish militants.
President Erdogan accuses both countries of turning a blind eye to the activities of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, even though the group is on the European Union’s list of terrorist organizations.
“You are not handing over terrorists to us, but you are asking us to allow you to join NATO. NATO is a security entity. It is a security agency. Therefore, we can not say “yes” to the removal of the security of this organization “, he said on Wednesday, in a speech before the deputies of the ruling party.
The day started with an optimistic note. Mr Stoltenberg initially said the military alliance was ready to seize a historic moment and move quickly to allow Finland and Sweden to join its ranks, as both countries submitted their membership applications.
“I warmly welcome the requests of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. “You are our closest partners,” said Mr Stoltenberg. “All allies agree on the importance of NATO enlargement. “We all agree that we should stay together and we all agree that this is a historic moment that we should seize.”
“This is a good day at a critical juncture for our security,” Mr Stoltenberg said enthusiastically as he stood by the two envoys, with NATO, Finland and Sweden flags in the background.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the alliance to stop expanding into Russia’s borders, and some NATO allies, led by the United States and Britain, have signaled they are ready to provide security support to Finland and Sweden if the Kremlin tries to provoke or destabilize these countries during the time it takes to become full members.
Countries will benefit from NATO’s Article 5 security guarantee – the part of the alliance’s founding treaty that states that any attack on one member will be considered an attack on all – once the membership ratification process is completed, possibly after a few months.
The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed their applications in a Twitter post and said that “Putin’s terrible ambitions have transformed the geopolitical structure of our continent.” Germany, Italy, the Baltic states and the Czech Republic spoke positively about the candidates.
If Mr. Erdogan’s objections are overcome and membership talks go as expected, both countries could become members soon. The process usually takes eight to 12 months, but NATO wants to move quickly given the threat from Russia that hangs over the heads of the Nordic countries.
Public opinion in Finland and Sweden has shifted strongly in favor of membership since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine on 24 February.
Finland and Sweden work closely with NATO. They have functioning democracies, well-funded armed forces, and contribute to alliance military operations and air patrols.
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