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Turkey in no rush to approve Sweden's Nato membership bid

17 Oct 2023 03:07pm
Pix for illustration purpose only. - FILE PIX by AFP
Pix for illustration purpose only. - FILE PIX by AFP


ANKARA - Turkey has been receiving signals from the West about the need to approve Sweden's membership in NATO by the end of the year, but Ankara will not be hasty on this matter, a diplomatic source in the Turkish capital told Sputnik.

"I can say that we receive signals from Western countries from time to time about the necessity to quickly ratify Sweden's NATO membership, including to complete the ratification process by the end of the year.

But Turkey is not a country to which you can set conditions or set deadlines. The decision will be made by parliament based on an analysis of the situation; we are in no hurry and do not intend to rush," the source said.

On Monday, Reuters reported that Turkey wants to defer the ratification of Sweden's application to join NATO this month as it is waiting for signs of US support for its own bid to buy F-16 fighter jets.

The Turkish parliament has made no progress in ratifying Sweden's accession since it reconvened in October following the summer recess. Turkey approved Finland's membership soon after it was filed last year, alongside with that of Sweden. Turkey argued that Sweden had to do more to ensure that it was no longer a safe haven for pro-Kurdish militants, seen as terrorists by Ankara - BERNAMA

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