In Oslo, NATO boss optimistic about Sweden's imminent entry into the Alliance

2023-06-01T15:22:04.974Z

Highlights: In Oslo, NATO foreign ministers are discussing new support measures for Ukraine. At the center of the discussions was the question of Sweden's accession to NATO. Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, does not waver: Sweden will soon be a member. Some ministers present in Oslo expressed optimism that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's objections to Sweden's membership of NATO would soon be lifted. But a new anti-terrorism law, tailored for Ankara, which comes into force today in Sweden, should speed up the process.

In Oslo, Norway, NATO Foreign Ministers are discussing new support measures for Ukraine, while preparing for the Alliance's next summit in Vilnius...

In Oslo, NATO boss optimistic about Sweden's imminent entry into the Alliance

In Oslo, Norway, NATO foreign ministers are discussing new support measures for Ukraine, while preparing for the Alliance's next summit in Vilnius in July. But what was at the center of the discussions was the question of Sweden's accession to NATO, still pending.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers on June 1, 2023 in Oslo, Norway. © Sergei Grits / AP

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Optimistic and confident, Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, does not waver: Sweden will soon be a member, reports our regional correspondent, Carlotta Morteo. And by then, it is already well protected by the allies. "Sweden is becoming more and more integrated into NATO structures, our military and civilian structures," saysJens Stoltenberg. And several allies have provided bilateral security guarantees to Sweden. It is therefore absolutely inconceivable that there would be a threat or an attack against Sweden without NATO reacting. I will be going to Ankara in the near future. The exact date has not yet been set.

With the elections in Turkey now over, some ministers present in Oslo expressed optimism that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's objections to Sweden's membership of NATO would soon be lifted. "There is great hope that the Swedish flag will be raised [in Vilnius]," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said. Sweden, invited to the meeting in Oslo, says it has fulfilled all the conditions to become a member of the military alliance.

However, Turkey expressed its anger only a few days ago, following an action by a group of pro-Kurdish activists in Stockholm. But a new anti-terrorism law, tailored for Ankara, which comes into force today in Sweden, should speed up the process.

Jens Stoltenberg also reiterated NATO's unconditional support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.

>> Read also: International report - Sweden shows its capabilities in a historic military exercise

In Oslo, NATO boss optimistic about Sweden's imminent entry into the Alliance

In Oslo, NATO boss optimistic about Sweden's imminent entry into the Alliance

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