World

Erdogan says won't let 'terrorism-supporting' countries enter NATO

Turkish president says talks with Finnish and Swedish delegations are not at the 'expected level'

Reuters May 29, 2022

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Izmit, Turkey May 23, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS

ISTANBUL:

President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey's talks last week with Finnish and Swedish delegations were not at the "expected level" and Ankara cannot say yes to "terrorism-supporting" countries entering NATO, state broadcaster TRT Haber reported on Sunday.

Turkey has objected to Sweden and Finland joining the NATO alliance, holding up a deal that would allow for a historic enlargement in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Erdogan's latest comments indicated his opposition continued.

"For as long as Tayyip Erdogan is the head of the Republic of Turkey, we definitely cannot say 'yes' to countries which support terrorism entering NATO," he was cited as telling reporters on his return from a trip to Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Two sources previously told Reuters that Wednesday's talks made little headway and it was unclear when further discussions would take place. All 30 NATO members must approve plans to enlarge the Western alliance.

Also read: Turkey's Erdogan discusses concerns with NATO hopefuls Sweden and Finland

Turkey challenged the bids from Sweden and Finland on the grounds that they harbour people linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group and others it deems terrorists, and because they halted arms exports to Ankara in 2019.

"They are not honest or sincere. We cannot repeat the mistake made in the past regarding countries that embrace and feed such terrorists in NATO, which is a security organisation," he said.

Sweden and Finland have said they condemn terrorism and welcomed the possibility of coordinating with Ankara.

Erdogan also said Turkey wanted to see an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible, but that the situation was becoming more negative each day.

"On Monday, I will have phone calls with both Russia and Ukraine. We will continue to encourage the parties to operate channels of dialogue and diplomacy," he said.

COMMENTS (1)

test | 2 years ago | Reply An advice for our brotherly country Turkey Never trust these western snakes. They will eventually bite you when their interests are fulfilled and they no longer need you. Only then you will understand but that would be too late to counter their bite. And you will pay dearly like Pakistan did. How to treat with west Always told them to fulfill your interests first and first of all . And after your interests are secured or fulfilled then ask them what are your interests and tell them that we will consider your concerns. And then go on to protect them if you want to. But if your interests collide with western interests. Then say sorry we cannot afford that. But never ever protect their interests first if your interests are not secured first. Pakistan learnt it by paying very dearly. We take huge losses while protecting their interests. And we end up being shitted and destructed both economically and diplomatically. So i repeat never ever trust these western snakes but only you can if your interests are served first. Even if westerns give up their lives in order to convince you i will never ever be convinced by them and their contribution will not be accepted because a snake is a snake after all. As a Pakistani this is the way to deal with west. Never recognize their contributions even if these westerns give up their lives also cooperate with them only if your interests are served first and first of all. Pakistan Turkey Zindabad and remember a snake is a snake no matter what.

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