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Erdogan against Finland and Sweden's NATO membership

Erdogan against Finland and Sweden's NATO membership

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey does not support Finland and Sweden's membership in NATO. Erdogan said Turkey could use its status to veto the accession of both countries.

"We are closely following the developments regarding Sweden and Finland, but we are not in a favorable opinion," Erdogan told reporters.

The Turkish leader explained his opposition by citing the alleged support of Sweden and other Scandinavian countries for Kurdish militants and others that Turkey considers terrorists.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has previously said that if Finland and Sweden formally apply to join the politico-military organization, they will be welcomed with open arms.