Article: Nordic NATO nations promise support to Finland, Sweden | News
A source told Norway’s largest newspaper that the gesture should not be considered a binding “security guarantee”.
The Nordic NATO countries Norway, Denmark and Iceland are preparing a pledge of support for Finland’s and Sweden’s security during the “gray period” of the countries’ possible applications to the alliance, Norway’s largest newspaper Verdens Gang (VG) reported on Wednesday.
VG’s report used sources from the Nordic governments who commented on the condition of anonymity.
According to the newspaper, all five Nordic countries are preparing a joint declaration on Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership and security in the coming months.
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VG stated that it is in the interest of all Nordic states that Finland and Sweden get through this “gray period” as quickly as possible.
In addition, the newspaper reported that the Nordic countries aim to secure the defensive position of Finland and Sweden while avoiding unnecessarily escalating tensions with Moscow.
VG said that the statement will contain a promise of political and possible military support to Finland and Sweden.
However, a source interviewed by VG said that this statement could not be considered as a binding “security guarantee” as it can only be provided by Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.