Turkey threatens to stall Sweden, Finland in NATO talks

Delegations from Sweden and Finland were in Ankara on Wednesday seeking to address Turkish objections to their joining the NATO military alliance.

Turkey objects to the accession of the Nordic countries, citing their perceived support for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, as well as the US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG. Ankara claims such groups are a threat to its security.

In a news conference after the talks that lasted about five hours, Kalin said Turkey had observed a “positive approach” by both countries when it came to lifting weapon export restrictions.

However, he said Turkey would not agree to the two Nordic countries joining NATO unless specific steps were taken to address Ankara’s objections.