Biden Backs Finland and Sweden, Presses Congress and Allies on NATO expansion

Washington/19.05.22/Turan: Just hours after Finland and Sweden officially applied for NATO membership on Wednesday, the Biden administration has thrown its full support for both countries to join the alliance, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

“Sweden and Finland have made the important decision to seek NATO membership after thorough and inclusive democratic processes in each country,” President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he would work with Congress and other member nations to “quickly” approve their membership.

The 30-member alliance has become a focal point of international discussion recently since Russia invaded Ukraine.

“NATO guarantees the security of 1 billion people in Europe and North America — united by our shared commitment to democratic principles and our vision of peace and prosperity in Europe and around the world. And my commitment to NATO and Article 5 is ironclad,” Biden noted in his statement.

“While their applications for NATO membership are being considered, the United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression,” the president added, calling the two nations “stalwart partners of the United States.”

Later in the afternoon, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted an enhanced honor cordon at the Pentagon for Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist, as the both leaders underscored the importance of security and stability in Europe and transatlantic unity.

Things have changed since Sweden's previous neutrality posture, Hultqvist said. "Russian President Vladimir Putin is waging an unprovoked attack on a peaceful and democratic Ukraine. War is ranging in Europe on a scale not seen since the Second World War".

Membership will benefit the training and interoperability of Sweden's armed forces, he said. "We must stand together in protecting the security of Europe and North America. This will be a close relationship".

Austin confirmed the U.S. "strongly supports" Sweden's application, noting that the militaries of both nations routinely train together. "Your capabilities are modern, relevant and significant, and your addition to the alliance will make us all better at defending ourselves."

The move came as the U.S. diplomats struggled on Wednesday to get clarity from Turkey over the severity of its opposition to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, where the latter offered mixed signals, TURAN's correspondent reports. While Cavusoglu affirmed his country’s support for NATO’s “open-door” policy and its understanding of Finland and Sweden’s desire to join the alliance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he also repeated Ankara’s demands that its security concerns about the candidate nations be addressed.

"... With regard to these candidate countries, we have also legitimate security concerns that they have been supporting terrorist organizations and there are also export restrictions on defense products... We understand their security concerns but Turkey’s security concerns should be also met and this is one issue that we should continue discussing with friends and allies, including the United States,” Cavusoglu said.

Later, speaking to journalists, Cavusoglu stepped up his criticism, accusing Sweden of not only backing groups linked to the banned PKK, but also providing arms to Syrian Kurdish fighters, whom Turkey views as an extension of the militant group. “Everyone says that Turkey’s concerns must be met, but this must not just be with words, it must be implemented,” he said.

Back in Washington, the White House made it clear that it is "confident" that Turkey's concerns can be overcome, a top advisor to Biden said.

"We're confident that at the end of the day Finland and Sweden" will enter NATO and "that Turkey's concerns can be addressed," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said. "We feel very good about where this will track to"

Biden himself also sounded optimistic that Turkey can be persuaded to support Finland and Sweden in their bids to join NATO. “I think we’re gonna be okay,” he told reporters when asked if he could convince Turkey to change its mind.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv Wednesday afternoon raised its flag, about three months after lowering it before Russia launched its invasion.

"As we take this momentous step, we have put forward additional measures to increase the safety of our colleagues who are returning to Kyiv and have enhanced our security measures and protocols" Blinken said in a statement.

"We are committed to confronting the challenges ahead. The war rages on. Russia’s forces inflict death and destruction on Ukrainian soil every day.  Millions of Ukrainians are displaced from their homes and mourn the loss of their loved ones.  With strength of purpose, we reaffirm our commitment to the people and government of Ukraine, and we look forward to carrying out our mission from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv"

Just hours after the Embassy's reopening, U.S. Senate moved forward to unanimously confirm veteran diplomat Bridget Brink as Ukraine ambassador.

The Senate will also convene today to resume consideration of "Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act", TURAN's correspondent reports.

The White House, in its turn, is ready to welcome both the Swedish PM and Finnish President, where they will meet with both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris this morning.

"The leaders will discuss Finland and Sweden’s NATO applications and European security, as well as strengthening our close partnerships across a range of global issues and support for Ukraine," White House said Wednesday night.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.