Swedish official Stenström: Sweden is not a safe haven for the PKK
Stenström, who came to Ankara for the fourth meeting of the Permanent Joint Mechanism established under the Tripartite Agreement, which includes delegations from Turkey, Finland, Sweden and NATO, answered questions from the press after the meeting.
Stenström asserted that membership of any terrorist organization is illegal under Sweden’s new penal code on combating terrorism, which came into force on June 1, saying: “Sweden is not a safe haven for the PKK.” he used the phrase.
Stating that they are working with the joint security units in both Sweden and Turkey to take more effective action on this issue, Stenström said that the applications will be rejected if it is revealed that people applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit in Sweden They have a connection to terrorism.
Stenström said: “We know that Turkey has big problems with terrorism and we take this seriously as the Swedish government.” saying.
“WE DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN NORMAL CRIMES AND TERRORIST CRIMES”
Emphasizing that no matter how well Sweden’s financial and banking system is tracked, cash is used by organized crime organizations and terrorists and that tracking it is a problem, Stenström said this topic was also raised at today’s meeting. .
Stenström stressed that the actions and methods used by individuals, rather than the terrorist organization, are important with the new law, saying: “If a new terrorist group is formed and a terrorist offense is committed, the relevant persons will be prosecuted.” . he used the phrase.
Pointing out that in addition to those on the EU list of terrorist organizations, other groups that commit terrorist offenses will be prosecuted for terrorist activities, Stenström said: “As the Swedish government, we distinguish between a normal crime and a terrorist crime.” saying.
Stenström argued that his country is close to becoming a member of NATO.
AA correspondent Stenström said: “While raising money for the PKK requires criminal sanctions under the new law, will raising money for the YPG (which Sweden does not recognize as a terrorist organization) be legal in this case? In addition , the PKK has many organizations. Will the new anti-terror law eliminate the PKK affiliates? Do you have clear answers to these two questions?” He contented himself with answering questions that it was illegal to have terrorist organizations in his country before the new anti-terror law, that they took a tough stance, and that it was difficult for terrorists to keep track of cash. (AA)