Erdogan says Turkey may block Sweden's Nato membership bid
Source: BBC
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that Ankara may agree to Finland joining Nato, but not Sweden.
He criticised Sweden's refusal to extradite dozens of people allegedly tied to Kurdish militant groups and other critics of his government.
"If you absolutely want to join Nato, you will return these terrorists to us," said Mr Erdogan.
His comments come days after Turkey suspended talks to accept the two Nordic nations as members.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64446439
LudwigPastorius
(9,155 posts)I know Turkey is strategically important to NATO, but playing footsie with dictators always gets you kicked in the balls.
samsingh
(17,599 posts)they are weakening the alliance.
Initech
(100,080 posts)Send a message to the fascists!
tornado34jh
(922 posts)Does it have to be unanimous? But again, we are stuck with several autocratic regimes, not just Turkey and Hungary, but also Russia and Azerbaijan.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,504 posts)Erdogan is probably doing Putin's bidding on this. I think the Koran burning was a RW stunt engineered by Putin to get Turket to veto Sweden's entry. I'd call his bluff and take a vote on weather to keep Turkey in NATO. Boot 'em, then vote in Finland and Sweden.
It is, after-all, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Far as I know, Turkey ain't anywhere close to the North Atlantic.
Rhiannon12866
(205,467 posts)I've been to Finland, can't believe that they aren't already a member. And I sure agree with you on Sweden - and Turkey!
samsingh
(17,599 posts)cstanleytech
(26,293 posts)prosecution and then allow them to be tried and sentenced inside Sweden.
That way if they are truly guilty of a real crime they will be held accountable.
Raven123
(4,847 posts)He may just keep moving the posts. Beyond that, I have no idea how NATO can battle. This within their own rules.
LiberalFighter
(50,943 posts)Kennah
(14,273 posts)purr-rat beauty
(543 posts)tell him to pound salt, this is necessary for the safety of Europe
Initech
(100,080 posts)Happy Hoosier
(7,314 posts)It will mysteriously be exactly like NATO, but with Sweden and Finland in it too. Turkey can come, but it doesn't get to veto anyone.
LastLiberal in PalmSprings
(12,586 posts)No wonder strongman Erdogan called TFG twice a week during 2020. They both see extortion as a valid tool to accomplish their nefarious goals.
Response to SouthBayDem (Original post)
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