Image source: topwar.ru
Finland has made the final decision to become a member of NATO. The statement of intention to apply for membership in the alliance was made today, Sunday, May 15, after a government meeting.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke at a joint press conference, at which an official statement on the country's accession to NATO was made. After the positive decision of the government, there is still a consultation with the parliament, but this is already a formality, it is safe to say that Finland already has one foot in the alliance.
Niinisto declared.
It is reported that the consultation with the parliament will take place on Monday, the application will be submitted, most likely, on Wednesday, May 18. This date was announced by Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. After submitting the application, consultations and negotiations will begin, which may take from a couple of months to a year or even more, although NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg promises to consider it "as soon as possible."
Recall that the acceptance of any country into NATO requires the consent of all members of the alliance without exception, and in the case of Finland and Sweden, Turkey opposes. Although the Turkish protest is expressed mainly against the Swedes, it may also hurt the Finns, since they plan to submit applications at the same time. Ankara is not satisfied that the Scandinavians welcome Kurds, including from the Kurdish Workers' Party. Of course, in the end, NATO will push Turkey, but Ankara will bargain for any preferences for itself anyway.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin warned Sauli Niinisto the day before that the country's accession to NATO would be a big mistake, Russia did not threaten and does not threaten Finland. The decision taken will have a negative impact on the relations between the two countries.
