Türkiye: Sweden’s NATO bid without changing stand on terrorism unacceptable

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun warns that if a NATO member is indifferent towards the safety of others, it poses a clear risk to the identity of the alliance.

Sweden’s NATO membership will not be possible unless Türkiye’s legitimate concerns are addressed, Türkiye’s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun has said.

In a guest op-ed for Swedish daily Expressen on Wednesday, Altun stressed the importance of taking a clear stand against terror groups before joining the alliance.

He said NATO countries must coordinate with alliance members on the issue of terrorism, which in recent years has seriously threatened the international system and the national security of states.

Altun warned that if one of the members of the organisation is indifferent towards the safety of others, it poses a clear risk to the identity of NATO.

Altun said Türkiye has given full support to NATO’s expansion since the end of the Cold War era.

He said Türkiye has one of the most powerful armies across the world and sees NATO as a guarantor of peace and stability.