U.S. "Working To Clarify" Turkey's Position On Finland and Sweden's NATO Bid

Washington is “working to clarify Turkey’s position” after president Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed opposition to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, the top American diplomat for Europe at the State Department told reporters on Friday, TURAN's U.S. correspondent reports.

The idea of the two nations becoming members of the transatlantic alliance had received “broad support" from member countries, Karen Donfried, Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs, said.

The White House and Pentagon also said the United States is working to “better understand” Ankara’s stance.

Turkey is a valued NATO ally; that has not changed, diplomats in Washington made it clear.

Ankara has been involved and helpful in trying to get dialogue going between Russia and Ukraine ,and they have provided assistance to Ukraine.

Donfried also reminded that Turkey and Sweden have worked very effectively in the NATO context, as Sweden has been a partner of NATO.

"And, again, I think we here in the United States support a NATO application by Finland and/or Sweden, and we will work together with the other 29 NATO Allies on that process should Finland and Sweden in fact formally choose to apply for NATO membership in the coming days or weeks," she added.

In the meantime, Erdogan yesterday told journalists that “we do not have a positive opinion” about the two countries joining the alliance, and said they shelter “terrorist organizations.”

The issue of Finland and Sweden's NATO bid was also discussed during a phone call between President Biden, Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, according to officials.

Biden "underscored his support for NATO’s Open Door policy and for the right of Finland and Sweden to decide their own future, foreign policy, and security arrangements," the White House said in a readout.

In a call with reporters, Donfried said the topic will also be discussed at the NATO ministerial meeting over the weekend in Berlin as foreign ministers from Turkey, Sweden and Finland among others will be attending.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also will attend the NATO meeting in Berlin.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.