Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey’s parliamentary committee gives approval
Associated PressANKARA, 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 bid, alleging that Swedish politicians have told “blatant lies” about the condition of Hungary’s democracy. Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had openly linked ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership to the U.S. Congress’ approval of a Turkish request to purchase 40 new F-16 fighter jets and kits to modernize Turkey’s existing fleet.