Turkey Ratifies Sweden’s NATO Membership
On Tuesday, Turkey’s parliament approved Sweden’s NATO membership bid, overcoming a 20-month delay.
The vote in the general assembly saw 287 in favor and 55 against. Sweden had applied in 2022, seeking enhanced security amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
All NATO Members Approval:
NATO requires unanimous approval for new member applications. In 2022, Turkey objected to Sweden and Finland, citing concerns over terrorism.
Finland’s membership got approval in April last year, but Turkey, along with Hungary, delayed Sweden’s approval.
NATO Enlargement:
Fuat Oktay, head of Turkey’s parliament foreign affairs commission, expressed support for NATO enlargement to strengthen deterrence. He emphasized Finland and Sweden’s anti-terrorism stance as exemplary.
US Ambassador:
U.S. Ambassador Jeff Flake said in a written statement on Tuesday. “I greatly appreciate the Turkish Parliament’s decision to approve Sweden’s entry into NATO today,” U.S. Ambassador Jeff Flake said in a written statement on Tuesday.
He said Turkey’s “commitment to the NATO Alliance clearly demonstrates our enduring partnership.”
Signing of Document:
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom welcomed Turkey’s parliament approval, anticipating President Erdogan’s signature. Hungary remains the sole NATO member yet to approve Sweden’s accession.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited his Swedish counterpart for talks on joining NATO. Hungary’s parliament is in recess until mid-February.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Hungary to complete ratification. Turkey and Hungary, with friendlier ties to Russia, stand out within NATO.
Turkey, while criticizing Western sanctions on Russia, opposes NATO’s increased military presence in Sweden and Finland, warned by Russia.
DEMANDS AND CONCESSIONS
Turkey’s delays frustrated Western allies, allowing Ankara to secure concessions. To endorse Sweden’s NATO bid, Ankara sought a tougher stance against PKK. Stockholm responded with an anti-terrorism bill, criminalizing PKK membership. Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands eased arms export policies to Turkey. AK Party, along with nationalist allies MHP and opposition CHP supported Sweden’s bid. Erdogan linked approval to U.S. F-16 sales to Turkey. The White House supports the sale, anticipating a swift deal post-Turkey’s approval. However, the U.S. Congress timeline remains uncertain.
