Turkey’s president says no support for Sweden’s NATO bid
1 year, 11 months ago

Turkey’s president says no support for Sweden’s NATO bid

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s president cast serious doubt on NATO’s expansion Monday after warning Sweden not to expect support for its bid for membership into the military alliance following weekend protests in Stockholm by an anti-Islam activist and pro-Kurdish groups. “It is clear that those who allowed such vileness to take place in front of our embassy can no longer expect any charity from us regarding their NATO membership application,” Erdogan said in his first comments regarding the weekend protests, saying Sweden must have calculated the consequences of permitting Paludan’s demonstration. Erdogan also criticized Sweden for allowing pro-Kurdish protests where demonstrators waved flags of various Kurdish groups, including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. He said if Sweden won’t show respect to NATO-member Turkey or Muslims, then “they won’t see any support from us on the NATO issue.” A joint memorandum signed by Turkey, Sweden and Finland in June averted a Turkish veto of their membership bid at NATO’s Madrid summit where they confirmed the PKK as a terror group and committed to prevent its activities.

Islam Turkey Sweden Finland Turkish Nato Swedish Erdogan Stockholm Pkk Paludan  turkish  bid  protests  nato  sweden  membership  weekend  president  support  turkey  swedens  swedish  military  erdogan  turkeys

History of this topic

Turkish parliament backs Sweden’s bid to join Nato
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Turkish parliament backs Sweden’s bid to join Nato

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sweden requested to join the alliance after Russia’s full-scale …

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish legislators on Tuesday endorsed Sweden’s membership in NATO, lifting a major hurdle on the previously nonaligned country’s entry into the military alliance. In Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan welcomed the news, saying having Sweden in the alliance will make it “safer and stronger.” NATO-member Turkey had been delaying Sweden’s membership for more than a …

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO bid
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO bid

Al Jazeera  

Turkey endorsed Finland’s membership bid in April but, along with Hungary, kept Sweden waiting. “Positive that the Grand General Assembly of Turkiye has voted in favour of Sweden’s NATO accession,” he wrote on social media platform X. Turkey’s ratification leaves Hungary as the last holdout in an accession process that Sweden and its neighbour Finland began in response to Russia’s …

EXPLAINED: Turkey finally agrees to let Sweden join NATO bloc after 18 months of tough negotiations
1 year ago

EXPLAINED: Turkey finally agrees to let Sweden join NATO bloc after 18 months of tough negotiations

India TV News  

Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee greenlighted a protocol for the Nordic country’s membership in the military alliance. Turkey’s opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that Ankara views as …

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
1 year ago

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee greenlighted a protocol for the Nordic country’s membership in the military alliance. Turkey’s opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that …

Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey’s parliamentary committee gives approval
1 year ago

Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey’s parliamentary committee gives approval

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee gave its consent to Sweden’s bid to join NATO on Tuesday, drawing the previously nonaligned Nordic country closer to membership in the Western military alliance. The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee had begun discussing Sweden’s membership in NATO last month. Sweden’s membership will make NATO stronger.” Hungary has also stalled Sweden’s …

Turkish Parliament Set to Decide Fate of Sweden’s NATO Bid
1 year ago

Turkish Parliament Set to Decide Fate of Sweden’s NATO Bid

News 18  

The Turkish parliament was Tuesday set to resume debate on approving Sweden’s bid to join NATO, a thorny issue that was further complicated after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked it to Ankara’s request for F-16 fighter jets from its ally the United States. In December, Erdogan suggested that parliament will only act on Sweden if the US Congress approves Turkey’s …

Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission approves Sweden’s NATO bid
1 year ago

Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission approves Sweden’s NATO bid

Al Jazeera  

Panel’s approval clears another hurdle in Sweden’s accession process to the bloc in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission has approved Sweden’s NATO membership bid. In a statement after the commission’s approval, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Sweden welcomed the move and looked forward to joining NATO. “I welcome the vote by …

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
1 year ago

Here’s what to know about Turkey’s decision to move forward with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

LA Times  

Sweden edged closer toward joining NATO on Tuesday after the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs committee greenlighted a protocol for the Nordic country’s membership in the military alliance. Turkey’s opposition to Swedish membership in NATO stemmed from its belief that the Nordic country has been too soft toward supporters of Kurdish militants and other groups in Sweden that Ankara views as …

Turkey links Sweden's NATO bid to US approving F-16 jet sales and Canada lifting arms embargo
1 year ago

Turkey links Sweden's NATO bid to US approving F-16 jet sales and Canada lifting arms embargo

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership …

Turkey’s Erdogan and Hungary’s Orban pledge to strengthen ties in Budapest
1 year ago

Turkey’s Erdogan and Hungary’s Orban pledge to strengthen ties in Budapest

Al Jazeera  

The two countries are the only holdouts in NATO to not have ratified Sweden’s bid to join the transatlantic military alliance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban have pledged to strengthen ties after talks in Budapest. Hungary and Turkey are the only two NATO countries that have so far not ratified Sweden’s bid to join …

Vantage | How Erdogan pulled off a diplomatic heist over Sweden's NATO entry
1 year, 1 month ago

Vantage | How Erdogan pulled off a diplomatic heist over Sweden's NATO entry

Firstpost  

A significant diplomatic victory for Turkey was the easing of weapon embargoes imposed by Sweden, Finland, Canada and the Netherlands In the realm of international diplomacy, power dynamics often play out in unexpected ways. The recent NATO summit in Brussels showcased not only the complexities surrounding global security issues but also shed light on a unique case of arm-twisting diplomacy …

Erdogan to visit Budapest next month as Turkey and Hungary hold up Sweden’s membership in NATO
1 year, 1 month ago

Erdogan to visit Budapest next month as Turkey and Hungary hold up Sweden’s membership in NATO

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Hungary’s capital in December, his second trip to Budapest this year at a time when both countries remain the only NATO members not to have ratified Sweden’s accession into the trans-Atlantic military alliance. It wasn’t clear whether Erdogan and Orbán would discuss Sweden’s NATO membership, which has been delayed for …

Turkish parliamentary committee delays decision on Sweden's NATO membership bid
1 year, 1 month ago

Turkish parliamentary committee delays decision on Sweden's NATO membership bid

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Turkish parliamentary committee delays decision on Sweden’s NATO membership bid
1 year, 1 month ago

Turkish parliamentary committee delays decision on Sweden’s NATO membership bid

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish Parliament’s foreign affairs committee on Thursday opened debate on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, but adjourned the proceedings until a later date without reaching a decision. Committee chairman Fuat Oktay later told reporters that the Swedish ambassador may be invited to the next session to provide further information on steps his country has taken to …

Erdogan pledges to facilitate Sweden's NATO membership bid
1 year, 2 months ago

Erdogan pledges to facilitate Sweden's NATO membership bid

Firstpost  

President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan stated that he would do everything in his power to help Sweden’s parliamentary ratification of its NATO membership, but he also pointed out that Stockhom had not yet taken enough action against Kurdish militants. Last month, Erdogan approved Sweden’s application to join NATO and sent the bill to parliament for ratification. Speaking to reporters on …

Hungary in the spotlight after Turkey presses on with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
1 year, 2 months ago

Hungary in the spotlight after Turkey presses on with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday refused a proposal to hold a vote on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, further delaying the Nordic country’s inclusion in the military alliance. The governing Fidesz party — led by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán who is widely considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s only allies in the EU — which …

Hungary in the spotlight after Turkey presses on with Sweden’s bid to join NATO
1 year, 2 months ago

Hungary in the spotlight after Turkey presses on with Sweden’s bid to join NATO

LA Times  

The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday refused a proposal to hold a vote on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, further delaying the Nordic country’s inclusion in the military alliance. The governing Fidesz party — led by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s only allies in the EU — which holds an absolute majority in …

Turkiye's Erdogan submits protocol for Sweden's admission into NATO to Parliament for ratification
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkiye's Erdogan submits protocol for Sweden's admission into NATO to Parliament for ratification

The Hindu  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to Turkiye’s parliament for ratification, his office said on October 23, bringing the Nordic country a step closer to membership in the military alliance. A brief statement from the presidential communications directorate said Mr. Erdogan had signed the protocol on Sweden's NATO accession, which was then …

Turkey’s president submits protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to parliament for ratification
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkey’s president submits protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to parliament for ratification

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to Turkey’s parliament for ratification, his office said Monday, bringing the Nordic country a step closer to membership in the military alliance. A brief statement from the presidential communications directorate said Erdogan had signed the protocol on Sweden’s NATO accession, which was then …

Turkey’s president submits protocol to parliament for Sweden’s admission into NATO
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkey’s president submits protocol to parliament for Sweden’s admission into NATO

LA Times  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan waits for the start of a meeting during a NATO summit in July in Vilnius, Lithuania. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for Sweden’s admission into NATO to Turkey’s parliament for ratification, his office said Monday, bringing the Nordic country a step closer to membership in the military alliance. A brief statement …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submits protocol for Sweden's admission to NATO
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submits protocol for Sweden's admission to NATO

India TV News  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for the admission of Sweden to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for ratification after repeated delays, according to his office on Monday. Erdogan had delayed the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership over claims of Stockholm failing to take a clear stance against Kurdish militants and other groups he considers to be …

Turkey’s Erdogan submits Sweden’s bid for NATO membership to parliament
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkey’s Erdogan submits Sweden’s bid for NATO membership to parliament

Al Jazeera  

Move comes after months of back-and-forth with western countries over new additions to alliance amid war in Ukraine. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a bill on Sweden’s NATO membership bid to parliament, after months of back-and-forth with Western countries over the issue. Since parliament reopened, however, Turkish officials have repeatedly said Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps …

Turkey’s president hasn’t threatened to intervene in the Israel-Hamas war. He is being misquoted
55 years ago

Turkey’s president hasn’t threatened to intervene in the Israel-Hamas war. He is being misquoted

Associated Press  

CLAIM: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to intervene in the Israel-Hamas war. “Turkish President Erdogan has THREATENED to intervene in the Israeli war on Gaza: ‘I call on all humanity to take action to stop this unprecedented brutality in the Gaza Strip. “President Erdogan did not threaten to intervene in the conflict,” Steven Cook, a Middle East expert …

Turkey set to delay Sweden's NATO bid until US paves way for F-16 jet sales to Ankara
1 year, 2 months ago

Turkey set to delay Sweden's NATO bid until US paves way for F-16 jet sales to Ankara

Firstpost  

Erdogan, while on his flight back from Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan told reporters that the US administration is linking F-16 fighter jet sales to Turkey with Ankara’s ratification of Sweden’s bid. Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan said that parliament will fulfil its commitment to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership application if US President Joe Biden’s administration facilitates the sale of F-16 jets …

NATO chief presses Turkey to advance Sweden’s membership application.
1 year, 2 months ago

NATO chief presses Turkey to advance Sweden’s membership application.

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday pressed Turkey to quickly ratify Sweden’s membership in the military organization, three months after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would help hasten the process in the Turkish parliament. At a NATO summit in Lithuania’s capital in July, Erdogan relented and said he would transmit Sweden’s accession protocol to the Turkish parliament …

NATO chief presses Turkey to advance Sweden’s membership application
1 year, 2 months ago

NATO chief presses Turkey to advance Sweden’s membership application

LA Times  

Sweden’s Defense Minister Pal Jonson, left, arrives for a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday pressed Turkey to quickly ratify Sweden’s membership in the military organization, three months after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would help hasten the process in the Turkish parliament. At a NATO summit …

Iraq’s president will summon the Turkish ambassador over airstrikes in Iraq’s Kurdish region
1 year, 3 months ago

Iraq’s president will summon the Turkish ambassador over airstrikes in Iraq’s Kurdish region

Associated Press  

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi president announced Tuesday that he will summon Turkey’s ambassador and hand him a formal letter of protest over recent Turkish airstrikes on Iraqi territory. The official protest came a day after an airstrike on a military airport in Arbat, southeast of the city of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region. “Day after day, systematic military …

Sweden raises its terror threat level to high for fear of attacks following recent Quran burnings
1 year, 4 months ago

Sweden raises its terror threat level to high for fear of attacks following recent Quran burnings

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — Sweden raised its terror alert to the second-highest level on Thursday after a string of public desecrations of the Quran sparked angry demonstrations across Muslim countries and threats from militant groups. The Swedish Security Service, known as SÄPO, lifted the “terror threat level” one notch to “high,” the fourth of five levels, for the first time since 2016. …

Outcry over Quran burning in Sweden: A timeline
1 year, 5 months ago

Outcry over Quran burning in Sweden: A timeline

Al Jazeera  

Muslim nations have expressed outrage since Salwan Momika desecrated the holy book in Stockholm last month. According to Swedish media reports, the incident was planned by Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi refugee in Sweden who also burned pages of a Quran in front of Stockholm’s largest mosque on June 28 during the Islamic Eid al-Adha festival. The incident last month …

Turkey’s Erdogan says lawmakers will take up ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership in October
1 year, 5 months ago

Turkey’s Erdogan says lawmakers will take up ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership in October

Associated Press  

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that Sweden’s NATO membership bid would not be ratified by Turkey’s parliament before October, but that he hopes for a swift ratification once lawmakers return from a break. Erdogan’s comments Wednesday were his first public confirmation of his decision to refer Sweden’s membership to parliament, where his party and its …

Turkey’s pledge of support for Sweden’s NATO entry is tied to goals on security and EU membership
1 year, 5 months ago

Turkey’s pledge of support for Sweden’s NATO entry is tied to goals on security and EU membership

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Turkey made a surprise pledge to drop its opposition to Sweden joining NATO, paving the way for the Nordic country to become a member of the Western military alliance. Ustum described Turkey’s statements over the Quran-burnings as “a tool in the negotiations.” adding that “for Turkey it was mainly about terrorist organizations.” TURKEY WANTS F-16 FIGHTER JETS FROM …

Why Turkey changed its stance on Sweden’s NATO membership
1 year, 6 months ago

Why Turkey changed its stance on Sweden’s NATO membership

Al Jazeera  

Ankara supports Stockholm’s bid after it receives backing on key conditions that range from buying US F-16s to visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen area. However, Turkey also sought a general normalisation and improvement in its relations with the EU countries and the US in general through Sweden’s process, using it as a peg,” Dalay told Al Jazeera. According to a …

Turkey agrees to Sweden Nato membership after previously blocking bid
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey agrees to Sweden Nato membership after previously blocking bid

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a briefing …

Turkey Agrees To Support NATO Membership For Sweden After Months Of Resisting
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey Agrees To Support NATO Membership For Sweden After Months Of Resisting

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING VILNIUS, Lithuania — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to send Sweden’s accession protocol for joining NATO to the Turkish Parliament “as soon as possible” and to help ensure that the assembly approves it. Earlier Monday, with NATO hoping to put on a public display of unity in its …

Erdogan links Sweden's NATO membership to Turkey's EU accession
1 year, 6 months ago

Erdogan links Sweden's NATO membership to Turkey's EU accession

Firstpost  

After membership negotiations began in 2005, during Erdogan’s first term as prime minister, Turkey’s application to join the EU was put on hold for many years In an unexpected move, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that the EU should pave the way for Ankara’s admission before Turkey’s parliament supports Sweden’s application to join the NATO military alliance. After …

Erdogan says Turkey could approve Sweden's NATO membership if Europeans 'open way' to Turkey E.U. bid
1 year, 6 months ago

Erdogan says Turkey could approve Sweden's NATO membership if Europeans 'open way' to Turkey E.U. bid

The Hindu  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country could approve Sweden’s membership in NATO if European nations “open the way” to Turkey’s bid to join the European Union. Mr. Erdogan, whose country has been holding off its final approval to Sweden’s NATO membership, made the comments in Ankara on July 10 before departing to the alliance’s summit meeting in Vilnius, …

Turkey agrees to back Sweden’s accession to NATO
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey agrees to back Sweden’s accession to NATO

LA Times  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, shakes hands with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg looks on before a meeting ahead of a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Monday. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to send Sweden’s NATO accession protocol to the Turkish parliament “as soon …

As NATO summit prepares to convene, Turkey continues to block Sweden's membership
1 year, 6 months ago

As NATO summit prepares to convene, Turkey continues to block Sweden's membership

NPR  

As NATO summit prepares to convene, Turkey continues to block Sweden's membership A retired Turkish ambassador to Sweden says no one can predict whether President Erdogan will let Sweden become a member. MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: As this year's NATO summit gets underway in Lithuania, Turkey is still blocking Sweden's bid for membership in the alliance. TERI SCHULTZ: The tone of …

If EU embraces Turkey, Ankara to back Sweden’s NATO bid: Erdogan
1 year, 6 months ago

If EU embraces Turkey, Ankara to back Sweden’s NATO bid: Erdogan

Al Jazeera  

Turkish president says EU should open the way for his country to join the bloc before Ankara approves Sweden’s NATO membership. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he would back Sweden’s NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes long-stalled membership talks with Ankara. “First, open the way for Turkey’s membership in the European Union, and then we will open it …

‘Historic day’: Turkey’s Erdogan agrees to back Sweden’s NATO bid
1 year, 6 months ago

‘Historic day’: Turkey’s Erdogan agrees to back Sweden’s NATO bid

Al Jazeera  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to back Sweden’s bid to join NATO after a year of blocking the move, citing Turkish security concerns. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Monday that Erdogan agreed to forward Sweden’s membership bid to Turkey’s parliament. ‘At the gates of the EU’ Earlier on Monday, Erdogan had upped the stakes further by demanding …

Turkey's leader will work to approve Sweden's NATO bid ASAP, the alliance's head says
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey's leader will work to approve Sweden's NATO bid ASAP, the alliance's head says

NPR  

Turkey's leader will work to approve Sweden's NATO bid ASAP, the alliance's head says Enlarge this image toggle caption Yves Herman/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Yves Herman/Pool/AFP via Getty Images NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Turkey's leader has agreed to secure swift Turkish parliament approval of Sweden's bid to join the defense alliance, in a breakthrough after Turkey has blocked the …

Turkey’s Erdogan hosts Zelenskyy, says Ukraine deserves membership in NATO
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey’s Erdogan hosts Zelenskyy, says Ukraine deserves membership in NATO

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support early Saturday for Ukraine joining NATO, saying the war-torn country deserves to join the alliance. “There is no doubt that Ukraine deserves NATO membership,” Erdogan told reporters, His support for Ukraine comes as Turkey has been holding off giving its final approval to Sweden joining NATO, saying Stockholm is not effectively …

Top officials from Turkey and Sweden head to NATO to try to overcome membership concerns
1 year, 6 months ago

Top officials from Turkey and Sweden head to NATO to try to overcome membership concerns

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Senior …

Turkey and Sweden fail to end their NATO membership standoff. Their leaders will try again on Monday
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey and Sweden fail to end their NATO membership standoff. Their leaders will try again on Monday

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Sweden and Turkey made some progress in talks aimed at overcoming President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s objections to the Nordic country joining NATO, but gaps still remain in their positions and their leaders will meet next week to discuss them, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, who described Thursday’s meeting as “very positive,” said …

Quran burnings have Sweden torn between free speech and respecting minorities
1 year, 6 months ago

Quran burnings have Sweden torn between free speech and respecting minorities

Associated Press  

STOCKHOLM — A Quran burning and a string of requests to approve protests involving the destruction of more holy books have left Sweden torn between its commitment to free speech and its respect for religious minorities. Then, last week, an Iraqi Christian immigrant burned Islam’s holy book outside a Stockholm mosque during the major Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, an …

Turkey says Quran burning in Sweden raises questions about its reliability as a possible NATO member
1 year, 6 months ago

Turkey says Quran burning in Sweden raises questions about its reliability as a possible NATO member

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s foreign minister said Tuesday that Swedish authorities’ failure to prevent Quran-burning protests in their country is raising security concerns and questions about Sweden’s credentials for possible NATO membership. But Hakan Fidan said Turkey would still approve Sweden’s membership in the military alliance if Stockholm “completes its homework” and presses ahead with efforts to address Turkey’s concerns. …

UN to meet on Sweden Quran-burning stunt decried by Muslim world
1 year, 6 months ago

UN to meet on Sweden Quran-burning stunt decried by Muslim world

Al Jazeera  

Body to debate rise of religious hatred after last week’s stunt in Stockholm outside a mosque. The desecration of the Quran took place outside the Swedish capital Stockholm’s main mosque last week and was carried out by a man during a protest authorised by the police. Morocco’s foreign ministry also called on Sweden’s chargé d’affaires in Rabat and expressed its …

Erdogan signals Turkey isn’t ready to ratify Sweden NATO membership, saying there’s more work to do
1 year, 6 months ago

Erdogan signals Turkey isn’t ready to ratify Sweden NATO membership, saying there’s more work to do

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled Monday that his country is not ready to ratify Sweden’s membership in NATO, saying Stockholm had to work harder on the “homework” it needs to complete. “Everyone must accept that Turkey’s friendship cannot be won by supporting terrorism or by making space for terrorists.” Turkey has delayed giving its final approval …

Sweden: Burning of Quran on Eid al-Adha triggers fresh tensions; Turkey warns to reject Sweden's NATO bid
1 year, 6 months ago

Sweden: Burning of Quran on Eid al-Adha triggers fresh tensions; Turkey warns to reject Sweden's NATO bid

India TV News  

The tension between Sweden and Turkey soared multiple folds after another Quran-burning incident was reported in Stockholm on Wednesday afternoon. The latest move by Swedish protestors has further escalated speculations about whether Ankara would support Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Earlier in January this year, the leader of the Danish far-right political party Hard Line, Rasmus …

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