NATO joint decision of Finland and Sweden
Marin and Kristersson held a joint press conference in Stockholm.
CALLING TURKEY
Finnish Prime Minister Marin stated that they applied for NATO membership with Sweden and that they want to complete the process together: “We are working together. We are in very close contact on this issue every day. Of course, we want both Turkey and Hungary to approve our application as soon as possible.” he used the phrase.
During the meeting, Marin stressed that they discussed the continuation of support for Ukraine and participation in NATO, and that they will continue to support kyiv.
Stating that Ukrainians can rely on themselves, Marin noted that they will help kyiv on its way to becoming a member of the European Union (EU).
IN THE INTEREST OF THE ENTIRE ALLIANCE
Pointing out that the security order in Europe has been permanently changed due to the Russia-Ukraine War, Marin continued as follows:
“The security of Finland and Sweden is interconnected. It is in the interest of the entire alliance that we join NATO. As agreed in Madrid, we discussed the concerns expressed by Turkey. We believe that all NATO member states will soon approve our request and Finland and Sweden will be allies at the Vilnius summit.”
“YOU CAN’T EVEN BURN YOUR CHAIR”
Stating that respect for religious matters is included in Finnish laws, Marin said:
“We do not allow the Koran or the Bible to be burned. We want to protect the freedom of people to believe what they want. There are also some laws about lighting fire in public places in Finland. You cannot burn not only the Holy Quran, but even your chair in public places. Don’t do this in Finland.”
Asked what would happen if the membership of Sweden took a long time, Marin said: “It is strange that the situation is presented as the naughty child in the classroom. Sweden also meets the requirements to become a member of NATO. I don’t like this environment where Sweden is presented as ‘troublesome’”. she gave the answer.
CALL TO SECURITY FROM SWEDEN
Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson also stated that they have close relations with Finland and said that they embarked on the journey towards NATO membership together and continued together.
Recalling the Tripartite Memorandum signed by Turkey, Finland and Sweden, Kristersson said: “At this morning’s Cabinet Meeting, we formalized the government’s anti-terrorism bill. The bill will be sent to Parliament in March and the new anti-terror laws will come into force on June 1. This is a cornerstone in Sweden’s long-term commitment to the fight against terrorism.” he said.
“WE UNDERSTAND THE DISAPPOINTMENT”
Referring to the recent tensions with Turkey and the provocations in Sweden, Kristersson said: “We understand and share the disappointment caused by these actions. My message to all Swedes is very simple; Let’s calm the situation down and focus on the big picture and what really matters: improving Sweden’s national security as full members of NATO.” he used his statements.
Kristersson noted that Sweden will do its part within the scope of the triple memorandum.
NEW TERROR SANCTIONS LAW INTRODUCED IN SWEDEN
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer also presented the criminal law in Sweden that makes it an offense to support and participate in terrorist organizations at a press conference held earlier in the day.
Stating that not only those who are involved in a certain terrorist incident, but also any connection to terrorist organizations will be subject to criminal prosecution, Strommer said: “It turned out that the anti-terrorism legislation is insufficient. With the new penal code we want to criminalize the continuation and strengthening of the activities of terrorist organizations and a series of different activities”. he used the phrase.
“Until now, terror suspects have been prosecuted only if their actions were linked to a particular terrorist incident. The new law will include any connection with terrorist organizations in the field of criminal proceedings”. saying.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström had previously said that they would submit a penal code to parliament on March 7 and that a new offense would be created in the Swedish Penal Code.
Billström stated that promoting and propagating terrorist activities on Swedish soil would be considered a crime and that the law would be implemented on the ground on June 1. (AA)