The foreign affairs committee of Turkey's Parliament has given its approval to Sweden's bid to join NATO. This decision brings the Nordic country one step closer to becoming a member of the esteemed military alliance.
The measure, which requires approval from the full Parliament, is currently awaiting a vote. However, no specific date has been set for this crucial decision. The head of the foreign affairs committee has cautioned reporters against anticipating a swift resolution to the matter, as per NY Times.
Turkey Approves Sweden's NATO Bid
In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, Sweden's application to join NATO has faced a series of delays, with Turkey playing a key role in the process.
Insisting that certain demands must be met, Turkey has repeatedly postponed the progress of Sweden's application, citing requirements that involve not only Sweden but also the United States and Canada.
With the anticipated approval of Sweden's NATO membership, the measure would then be presented to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The act of ratifying it into law would bring an end to a nearly two-year-long procedure that has caused discontent among some of Ankara's Western allies.
Fuat Oktay, the chief of the commission, downplayed anticipations regarding the speed of the vote in the Grand National Assembly as a whole, assuring reporters that the speaker would determine the vote's timetable. Early January also features a two-week recess for Parliament.
"Although the decision to present it to the general assembly has been reached at this moment, this does not necessarily imply that it will be approved with the same velocity by the assembly. That is not the case," stated Oktay.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom issued the following statement following the commission's approval: "Sweden welcomes the move and looks forward to joining NATO."
NATO Praises Turkey's Approval
Additionally, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg praised the Turkish parliamentary commission's approval. All 31 members of NATO are obligated to grant approval for new members.
Turkey expressed reservations in May of last year regarding the requests of Sweden and Finland to become members of the alliance. Erdogan cited their defense of trade embargoes and the protection of individuals Turkey labels "terrorists" as justifying his objections.
In April, Turkey endorsed Finland's proposal; however, Sweden was not granted ratification until Turkey implemented further measures to suppress activities of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), an organization that is classified as terrorist by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.
As a reaction, Stockholm enacted legislation that criminalizes membership in a "terrorist organization." Additionally, NATO members Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands eased arms export restrictions on Turkey.
Although Sweden's membership in NATO has not been ratified by Hungary, Turkey is regarded as the primary obstacle preventing the Scandinavian country from joining the military alliance and fortifying its Baltic Sea defenses.
Turkey's ratification of Sweden's membership was additionally contingent on the United States authorizing F-16 fighter aircraft sales to Turkey, according to Erdogan. Per Aljazeera, he disclosed this month, following a conversation with US President Joe Biden, that Washington was contemplating ratification in order to advance the request.
