NATO statement on Sweden and Finland
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg answered questions from journalists at a press conference at NATO headquarters.
Speaking about Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO membership processes, Stoltenberg said both countries addressed Turkey’s legitimate security concerns and complied with the requirements of the Tripartite Memorandum signed at the Madrid Summit.
“Turkey is ready to approve Finland’s membership in NATO.” Stoltenberg said that he welcomes this decision and that he hopes it will be approved before the parliament closes before the elections in Turkey.
Stoltenberg stated that the Hungarian parliament also welcomed the decision to vote on Finland’s membership on March 27.
“FULL MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT”
Stoltenberg said: “The most important thing is that Finland and Sweden join NATO as full members, not if they join at the same time. I will keep working until Sweden becomes a full member as soon as possible.” saying.
Expressing his belief that Sweden will become a member, Stoltenberg said that Sweden and Finland participated in NATO meetings as invited countries and were more integrated into NATO’s civilian and military infrastructure.
“This integration process will take time. We make plans with capacity targets. This integration process has not been delayed because approvals took longer than we expected. Military integration continues, although Turkey and Hungary have not yet ratified it. Because being a guest country means being integrated into the NATO military structures”.
CHINA’S PEACE PLAN IN UKRAINE
Stoltenberg also answered a question about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with his counterpart Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia, the China-Russia relationship and the proposed peace plan for Ukraine.
Stating that they did not see any evidence that China supplied Russia with weapons, Stoltenberg noted that there were signs that Russia made such a request and that Beijing was evaluating the request.
Reiterating his call for China not to comply with this demand, Stoltenberg said: “This would be supporting an illegitimate war.” he said.
Assessing China’s peace plan proposal, Stoltenberg said:
“It is Ukraine’s decision to determine what conditions are acceptable for a peaceful solution. China should understand Ukraine’s point of view and work directly with Ukrainian President (Volodimir) Zelensky. It should be remembered that China does not condemn Russia’s illegitimate war in Ukraine. I welcome any just plan for lasting peace. China’s plan includes some positive aspects that I support, such as nuclear safety, protection of civilians. Any peace solution for Ukraine must be based on the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.” (AA)