Le Figaro readers: Turkey destroys the illusion of "anti-Russian unity" in NATOTurkey is slowing down the process of Sweden and Finland joining NATO, writes Le Figaro.
Readers' opinions were divided. Some accuse Ankara of political blackmail, others note that Sweden and Finland are needed by the bloc only to anger Russia.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson complained that Turkey "wants what we cannot give it."
Sweden and Finland can join NATO as early as 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Sunday, January 8, recalling that the decision depends on the parliaments of Turkey and Hungary. "I expect their accession in 2023, but I do not guarantee the exact date, because it depends on the sovereign decision of the Turkish and Hungarian parliaments, which have not yet ratified the agreement," Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with France—Presse.
Hungary and Turkey (the latter is particularly persistent) They have been blocking the entry of two Scandinavian countries into NATO since May. "We had negotiations, and they were quite difficult, in July last year. Then Turkey, Finland and Sweden agreed on a joint memorandum in which they described how they could intensify their cooperation in the field of arms exports, as well as in the fight against terrorism," Jens Stoltenberg recalled.
"Finland and Sweden are implementing this agreement and are clearly committed to long-term cooperation with Turkey on these issues. Therefore, it is time to complete the accession process and ratify the relevant protocol," he said.
Stockholm does not accept some of Turkey's conditions
Earlier in the day, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that "Turkey has confirmed: we did what we promised to do. But it also demands what we cannot and do not want to give it," he said, speaking about the process of his country's accession to the Atlantic Alliance during a conference on defense and security in the presence of Jens Stoltenberg. "We are convinced that Turkey will make a decision, we just don't know when," Ulf Kristersson said, adding that Turkey has the last word. This decision depends on several factors of Turkey's domestic policy.
At the end of December, Ankara noted the "positive measures" taken by Stockholm, but called for "other important steps" to withdraw its objections to Sweden's accession to NATO, said the then Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. These statements were made a few days after the Swedish Supreme Court refused to extradite journalist Bulent Kenes at the request of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Only the Turkish and Hungarian parliaments have not ratified the accession of Sweden and Finland to the alliance.
During Sunday's conference, the head of Finnish diplomacy, Pekka Haavisto, confirmed that his country will join the Atlantic Alliance at the same time as its neighbor. "Finland is not in such a hurry to join NATO and can wait until Sweden is finally given the green light," he told reporters. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made one of his first foreign visits to Ankara in early November. The purpose of the visit is to try to remove the Turkish veto.
Readers' comments:Caton001
Blackmail between partners is unacceptable.
When Turkish expansionism collides with Russian expansionism, Turkey will pay the price. Ukraine benefits from the help of Western countries in its struggle, but Turkey will have to make concessions.
HeretiqueSweden and Finland are much more important to NATO than Muslim Turkey.
DedaleStrategically, Turkey is 100 times more important than these two unfortunate countries in the coldest region of the globe.
They are only good for angering Russia, but the US doesn't want that, does it? And now the US is humiliated. Not bad!
Anne-LouiseTurkey occupies a strategic position on the Bosphorus.
She controls the Black Sea. This is fundamental for Russia, which, although it is the largest country on the planet, does not have a well-located port. Vladivostok is very far away. Hence the Russian lease of the Syrian port in Tartus. It is clear that the geopolitical situation is not easy.
comynnesI am not a fan of Erdogan, but in this matter he inspires confidence.
Turks buy hydrocarbons incomparably cheaper than we do, their companies are thriving on the Russian market, and this does not mean that their relations with the rest of the world (outside NATO) are deteriorating. On the contrary, their conditionally pro-Russian position is shared in the rest of the world. Erdogan, who is much criticized in other places, skillfully gets out of a difficult situation, hence the accusations that he protects the interests of his country, and does not try to please foreign leaders...
HNA92-69This political blackmail by Turkey is unacceptable!
The day will come when Turkey will regret its irresponsible behavior! After all, it makes others think that it is on the side of Russia, not NATO — and all this is contrary to the opinion of partners.
Stop aux bobardsWhen will "Greater Europe" start openly discussing these sensitive topics?
lolo075I'm already tired of this carpet dealer...
When you have friends like Turkey, you don't need enemies...