Turkey Won’t Accept Terror-Supporting Countries In NATO, Says Defence Ministry
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Roshan Amiri
- . June 9, 2022
- . Update: June 10, 2022 2:01 pm
Turkey-Turkey will never allow terror-supporting countries to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), said the Defence Ministry on Tuesday.
According to a statement by the ministry, Turkey will not support terrorism-backing countries because it is against the spirit of alliance. The Ministry reportedly said, “Those who give support to terrorism should not have a place in NATO.”
What did the ministry say?
The defence ministry also stressed that Turkey has continued to successfully fulfil all the duties it has undertaken since it joined the US-led alliance in 1952. The ministry also said that world peace is important for the nation.
The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will continue to contribute to world peace within the scope of United Nations, NATO, European Union, OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) missions and bilateral agreements, said the ministry.
This comes as Sweden and Finland attempt to join NATO. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted the two countries to consider joining NATO. Sweden and Finland submitted their written applications to join NATO in May.
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Why did Turkiye refuse to accept two Nordic countries’ applications?
Once a country expresses its desire to join NATO, the member states assess the request. Reportedly, all 30 NATO members need to agree on admitting new members.
Turkey refused to approve their application claiming Sweden and Finland have links with terrorist groups, namely the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and followers of Fethullah Gulen.
The PKK is listed as a terror organisation by several of Turkey’s allies. The Turkish government also accused Finland and Sweden of imposing arms export restrictions on Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also objected to Sweden’s granting of asylum to members of the PKK. Reportedly, in May, a senior Turkish official said that Turkey would not agree to the two Nordic countries joining NATO unless the alliance addresses Ankara’s objections.
