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Turkey’s opposition had its impact: NATO envoys failed to reach a consensus today on Wednesday to start membership talks with Finland and Sweden, diplomats said.
The meeting was held at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels after the ambassadors of the two Nordic countries 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 which could rewrite the security map of Europe.
The diplomats declined to say exactly who or what was obstructing the procedure. But Turkey has made it clear publicly that it does not agree with the move, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisting that 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. Even recently, according to some media reports, he has asked them to hand over 30 PKK terrorists as he calls them in exchange for Ankara’s green light for membership. The opposition seems to be not only Turkey however.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic wants his country to follow Ankara’s example in trying to block the two countries’ membership bid. Milanovic has deep-rooted agreements with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on many issues, including whether or not Sweden and Finland’s application for membership in the alliance should be upheld. Before Croatia’s parliament ratifies NATO membership for the two Nordic countries, Milanovic is seeking an amendment to neighboring Bosnia’s election law that would make it easier for Bosnian Croats to elect their representatives to leadership positions.
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