Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said “Turkey is not closing the door on Sweden and Finland joining NATO, but wants to negotiate with the two Scandinavian countries and put an end to what Ankara sees as terrorist activities on their soil.” Sweden.

In an interview with Reuters in Istanbul, he indicated that “the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization, is operating in Europe in order to obtain funding and recruit new elements”, stressing that “the presence of this organization is strong, public and recognized in Sweden.” especially”.

Kalin added: “What needs to be done is clear: they must stop allowing media, activities, organizations, individuals and other forms of PKK presence in these countries.”

He pointed out that “the entry of a new country into NATO is a complex process, and we will see how everything goes, but this is the first point that we want to draw the attention of all allies, as well as the Swedish authorities. Of course, we want to hold consultations and discussions with our Swedish colleagues.” He denied that there was any connection between Turkey’s pessimistic stance on the possibility of Finland and Sweden joining NATO and Russia’s resolute opposition to this move.

The authorities of Finland and Sweden have announced their intention to apply for NATO membership in connection with the Russian military operation in Ukraine.