From France’s perspective, the delays in Sweden’s accession to NATO threaten to have serious consequences.
‘This is about the strength and credibility of our alliance’ French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna warned on Tuesday during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. Turkey and Hungary are expected to immediately agree to Sweden’s accession to the alliance. “Not another day must be lost,” she demanded.
The meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday was actually intended to celebrate Sweden’s accession. However, Turkey has not yet completed the ratification of the so-called Accession Protocol. Hungary has not yet done so either, but has recently repeatedly promised that it would not be the last NATO country to agree to Sweden’s accession.
In addition to Colonna, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and representatives of countries such as Finland also expressed their frustration with the situation during the meeting. “I had hoped that Sweden would become a full member of NATO at this meeting.”Stoltenberg said, making it clear that he believed the government in Stockholm had made all the concessions Turkey had demanded. «Sweden delivered. “They are working more closely with Turkey in the fight against the PKK and terrorist groups,” Stoltenberg said. That is why he now expects Turkey to also adhere to the agreements and complete ratification.
Sweden applied for NATO membership in May 2022 under the impression of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and initially hoped to join in the summer of 2022. However, Turkey then accused Swedish politicians of a lack of commitment against ‘terrorist organizations’ such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and refused to give it permission.
Following concessions from Sweden, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently announced that he would have the so-called accession protocol ratified by the Turkish parliament. However, it is currently stuck in a committee there. (saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
