Balkans | NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: I ​​support Turkey’s desire to become a member of the European Union

Stoltenberg said, “I support Turkey’s desire to become a member of the European Union. At the same time, we must remember that we agreed in Madrid on a specific list of conditions that Sweden must fulfill in order to become a full member of NATO.” He said.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that in addition to Turkey’s legitimate concerns in fighting terrorism, the legitimate demand for Sweden’s membership in NATO must also be taken into account, and the need to consider Turkey’s accession process to the European Union as Sweden’s decision to join NATO stated that it supports the membership process.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who will host the NATO summit on July 11-12 with Stoltenberg, held a joint press conference at Litexpo, where the summit will take place.

Emphasizing that NATO’s deterrence and defense will be strengthened within the scope of the summit, Stoltenberg said, “We will increase our support for Ukraine and bring Ukraine closer to NATO.” He said.

When asked at the summit what Ukraine could offer for NATO membership, Stoltenberg said:

The consultations are ongoing and the meetings will take place today, but I am confident that all allies will agree on a very clear message on Ukraine. No final decision has been made yet, but I am very confident that we will unite and send a strong message about Ukraine.”

NATO Secretary General stressed that final decisions will be taken when all allies agree and leaders meet in Vilnius tomorrow, and stressed that it is still too early to make final decisions at the present time.

“It is important that we stand together in the fight against terrorism”

In a statement before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s departure to Lithuania, Stoltenberg said, “First, let us open the way for Turkey in the European Union, and then let us pave the way for Sweden, just as we paved the way for Finland.” When asked about his evaluation of his statements, he said:

I support Türkiye’s desire to become a member of the European Union. At the same time, we must remember that we agreed in Madrid on a specific list of conditions that Sweden must fulfill in order to become a full member of the Alliance.

Stating that Sweden fulfills these conditions, Stoltenberg said that cooperation between Turkey and Sweden in the fight against terrorism is also in question.

“It is important that we stand together in the fight against terrorism, but also address the legitimate security concerns of all our allies, who do not want to see Sweden as a member of the alliance, because this will strengthen NATO and strengthen the ability to defend and protect not only the Baltic region but the entire region,” Stoltenberg said. He said.

Stating that a positive decision on Sweden’s membership could still be made in Vilnius, Stoltenberg said, “We don’t have any certainty. We don’t have any guarantees, but of course we now have the momentum created by the leaders’ meeting. We’ll use that momentum to make as much progress as possible.” . Use phrases.

We should not give Russia the slightest excuse.

Lithuanian President Nauseda also stated in his speech that there is no room for inaction on European security, and that NATO must advance decisively and quickly.

Pointing out that Finland will attend the NATO summit as a full member for the first time, Nauseda said: “We show our determination and unity in the meeting we held in the region where an aggressive country is present. We are united to defend every inch of the alliance’s territory. We must show our resolve not only with statements but decisions as well.” He said.

Pointing out that the security situation in the region has become more complex with the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Belarus and the arrival of the Wagner Group in this country, Noseda said that all the events emphasized the importance of deterrence and the strengthening of defense lines.

Noseda also stressed that the security of NATO’s eastern flank must be a priority.

Speaking of coalition members’ determination to spend 2 percent of national income on defence, Noseda said, “We should not give Russia the slightest excuse to test our responsiveness and unity.” Make an evaluation.

“Ukraine’s victory will restore security and stability to Europe,” said Noseda. He said.

Noseda believed that the allies should be intent on providing more military aid to Ukraine, and said: “Ukraine must be integrated into the transatlantic security structure and be a full member of NATO.” Use phrases.

“The time is not to repeat words, but to agree on a clear plan for how to achieve this,” said Noseda. He said.

We must send a message that Ukraine will become a full member of NATO.

In the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, Noseda touched on Ukraine’s membership in NATO and said, “We must give the message that Ukraine will become a full member of NATO when conditions permit.” He said.

Explaining that the Ukrainian army has become one of the most experienced by gaining experience on the battlefield, Noseda said, “We should not only appreciate their struggle, but also raise their morale with our political decisions.” Use phrases.

Noseda also spoke about NATO membership processes and emphasized that it was important to make decisions about Ukraine’s membership at the summit in Vilnius.

Touching on the ongoing negotiations on Sweden’s membership in NATO, Noseda expressed hope that the talks between NATO, Turkey and Sweden would be held within the scope of the summit.

Noseda has stated that Sweden’s membership in NATO is important to the region and that with this membership, the Baltic Sea will become NATO’s internal sea.

We need to have more allies in our region.

Referring to the decision by some allies to deploy troops in Lithuania, Noseda said, “The geopolitical situation in our region is not improving. With the recent developments in Belarus, the deployment of nuclear weapons in this country and the arrival of the Wagner Group here, we need not only support, but more presence.” allies in our region. comment.

Emphasizing that Lithuania’s defense is not only important for this country, Noseda said that a joint decision should be taken regarding NATO’s eastern wing and that wing should be strengthened in a timely manner.

Türkiye’s assessment of the European Union

Dana Spinant, a spokesperson for the European Union Commission, was asked about President Erdoğan’s remarks, “First, let us open our way in the EU, and we will pave the way for you in Sweden,” and gave the following answer:

NATO enlargement and accession to the European Union are two separate processes. On the one hand, there is Sweden waiting for approval. On the other hand, there is the structural process of the European Union that clearly reveals the steps that must be taken by all candidate countries or those who want to be candidates for enlargement. You cannot make a connection between these two processes.”

The alliance has to make important decisions at the Vilnius summit

The NATO summit takes place on July 11-12 in Vilnius, 300 kilometers from the Russian border.

The leaders of NATO countries will sign important decisions on many issues, especially on Ukraine, at their summit meeting in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.

AA