Response to Erdogan from Sweden: ‘There is no religion in the deal’

Discussions continue as Turkey closes the doors to Sweden’s NATO membership following the burning of the Koran near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, the Swedish capital.

After the provocation in Sweden, Turkey last week canceled the meeting of the trilateral mechanism between Sweden and Finland indefinitely. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his speech yesterday, said: “Sweden, do not try in vain. As long as you allow my holy book, the Koran, to be burned, we will not say yes to your entry into NATO. Our opinion on Finland is positive, but not on Sweden. Know it like this

The responses to these statements came from Sweden. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström said his country would not compromise freedom of expression and the rule of law. “Religion is not part of this agreement,” Billström said, referring to the tripartite agreement reached last year as part of NATO membership negotiations.

Billström told Swedish news agency TT: “What Sweden has to do to become a NATO member is very clear in the tripartite agreement. “Religion is not part of this deal,” he said.

Noting that his country has taken steps to comply with the terms of the agreement, the Swedish minister said, referring to the burning of the Koran: “I understand that the Turkish side is absolutely disturbed by this legal but disrespectful action. There is an electoral campaign in Turkey and many things are said in the elections. These statements must be considered in this context, ”he said.

Billström added that the tension should subside and that they want to continue talks with Turkey.