NATO must defend Sweden, Finland even with pending membership – Stoltenberg
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – January 8, 2023) NATO has increased its presence in Sweden and Finland as the countries applied for their membership in allianceand it is “unthinkable” not to defend them despite the fact that ratification has not been completed by All Member States, NATO said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Sunday.
“A number of NATO Allies have given you (Sweden and Finland) security guarantees. NATO has increased its presence in this region. And Sweden and Finland participate now in NATO meetings and are integrated into military cooperation. It is unimaginable NATO would not act on the safety of Sweden and Finland is threatened“, Stoltenberg said at a security conference held in the Swedish city of Salen, as quoted in it alliances press release.
Stoltenberg added that All NATO allies signed the countries’ accession protocols, with 28 out of 30 countries having ratified them.
“I am convinced that we will soon be able to warmly welcome you as full members of NATO“, Stoltenberg said.
Sweden and Finlandin the midst of the military operation which Russia launched in Ukraine in Februaryapplied to NATO membership on May 18. So far only Turkey and Hungary has not ratified the Swedish and Finnish applications.