Evkan Ala, the deputy chairman of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, confirmed that “Turkey’s position regarding the membership of Sweden and Finland in NATO is very clear and understandable, and these two countries should very clearly reconsider their relations with elements of the terrorist organization PKK and put it the end”.

In an interview with Anadolu agency, he explained: “Turkey has been dealing with terrorism for many years now and there is an opinion that this problem is not perceived at a sufficient level by these two countries and they do not attach due importance to it,” noting that “the Swedish minister recently attended an event organized by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and we expect them (Swedes and Finns) to take our security concerns seriously while we deal with the security issues of these countries.”

Alaa said: “While Finland and Sweden are pursuing NATO membership to solve their security problems, Turkey also has a problem with terrorism and these two countries should take that into account.”