Erdogan endorses Sweden’s NATO bid
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted on Monday a bill endorsing Sweden’s NATO membership bid, a step welcomed by Sweden as it opens the path for their inclusion in the Western defense alliance.
Erdogan gained NATO allies’ support at a July summit by pledging to submit the legislation to parliament when it reopened on October 1. Earlier, he had raised objections regarding Sweden’s alleged harboring of individuals accused by Turkey of belonging to terrorist groups.
Following the reopening of the parliament, Turkish officials have insisted that Sweden must address the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) issue before Turkey can support its NATO application.
The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.
Finally, on Monday, progress was made as the bill approving Sweden’s accession moved forward.
“The Protocol on Sweden’s NATO Accession was signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 23, 2023, and submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey,” stated the presidency on social media platform X, without providing further details.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his approval and welcoming of the step, stating on X, “Now it remains for the parliament to deal with the question.”
The US responded positively to Turkey’s action, and State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed eagerness for the bill to be swiftly approved by the Turkish parliament.
Turkey has not set a specific timeline for the ratification process. The bill will be presented to the foreign affairs commission of parliament, which must approve it before it can be forwarded to the general assembly for ratification.
Sweden and Finland sought NATO membership after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Finland’s accession was approved in April, but Turkey and Hungary caused delays in Sweden’s.