Respect concerns about Finland, Sweden, says Erdogan

TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has threatened to block Finland and Sweden from joining Nato, yesterday urged the alliance’s members to “respect” Ankara’s concerns about the two countries, which Turkey accuses of harbouring terrorists.

“Our only expectation from Nato allies is … to first understand our sensitivity, respect and finally support it,” Erdogan told his party’s MPs in parliament.

Finland and Sweden yesterday submitted a joint application to join Nato as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forces a reappraisal of security in Europe.

Erdogan accused Stockholm of providing a safe haven to members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party designated as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies.

“We asked them to extradite 30 terrorists but they refused to do so,” he said. “You will not send back the terrorists to us and then ask our support for your Nato membership,” he added.

Sweden has also imposed embargoes on arms sales to Turkey since 2019 over Ankara’s invasion of Syria.

“We are sensitive about protecting our borders against attacks from terror organisations,” said Erdogan, calling on Nato allies to support Turkey’s “legitimate” Syria operations.

He also said he was not warm to Swedish or Finnish delegations’ request to visit Ankara for consultations.

“They want to come on Monday. They shouldn’t bother. There’s no need,” he said.