The ruling Swedish Democratic Party (SDP) said it would oppose nuclear weapons and military bases on Swedish soil if the country joined NATO. Sputnik reported that the Social Democrats “will work to have Sweden express unilateral reservations against the deployment of nuclear weapons and permanent bases on Swedish territory.”
The party announced its support for NATO membership on Sunday. It comes hours after Finland joined NATO. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said a delegation will visit Ankara to discuss Stockholm’s NATO membership. Sputnik quoted Linde as saying, “A delegation will soon travel to Ankara to review the NATO application.”
Turkey opposes Finland and Sweden’s decisions to join NATO
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According to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, most Turks oppose Finland and Sweden from joining NATO because of their support for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdish YPG militia. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said joining NATO is best for Sweden and its citizens. The decision will be debated Monday and voted on May 17.
Sweden & Finland decide to join NATO despite Russia’s warning
Despite Moscow’s severe warnings about the implications if its neighbor joins the intergovernmental military alliance, Sweden and Finland have taken steps toward joining NATO. “Finland and Sweden are already NATO allies. Allies should approve their applications “NATO Deputy-Secretary General Mircea Geoana commented. In April, Finland and Sweden said they would decide on NATO membership before June’s Madrid summit.
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