Erdogan says Sweden has to ‘work harder’ for NATO approval
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated on Monday that he will not ratify Sweden’s bid for NATO membership unless it works harder on the “homework” it needs to complete.
Erdogan made his speech after a Cabinet meeting, claiming that Sweden’s approach towards “anti-Islamic demonstrations” and groups is not acceptable and is considered a threat for Turkey.
He said, “We advise them to scrutinize themselves and do their homework better…fight against terrorist organizations and Islamophobia are our red line.”
“keeping to the promises will be a more rational, more beneficial method,” he added in a reference to a memorandum between Turkey, Sweden, and Finland dealing with Ankara’s concerns.
In 2022, NATO said a trilateral deal had been reached at a meeting between Erdogan, President Sauli Niinisto of Finland and the Swedish prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, in the Spanish capital.
Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO in May 2022 prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February but were met with huge rejection from Turkey and Hungary.
Turkey had rejected the two Nordic countries’ bid for NATO membership under the pretext that they support the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the People’s Protection Units (YPG).
However, in March, Turkey hindered Sweden from joining NATO but ratified Finland’s bid.
Turkey has been dragging its feet on approving Sweden’s bid, citing concerns about Stockholm’s support for Kurdish groups.
Erdogan was also angered by a protest outside a mosque in central Stockholm, during which the Holy Quran was burned.