Sweden can “no longer expect” Turkish support for NATO’s bid amid Koran-burning protests | The world | News
Sweden can “no longer expect” Turkish support for its Nato bid after Koran-burning protests erupted in Stockholm, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has claimed. The protests had been given prior approval by the Swedish authorities. However, burning the Islamic holy book was not approved.
Erdogan said those burning the book are “no one has the right to humiliate the saints”.
Around 100 people gathered in the protest in the Swedish capital, including the Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan.
Paludan, who leads Denmark’s fringe Hard Line party, gave an hour-long speech criticizing Islam and immigration.
He then proceeded to set fire to a copy of the Koran.
Erdogan said in his first official response after a cabinet meeting: “Those who allow such blasphemy in front of our embassy can no longer expect our support for their NATO membership.”
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He added: “If you love members of terrorist organizations and enemies of Islam so much and protect them, then we advise you to seek their support for the security of your countries.”
Erdogan was attacked by protesters at another protest in Stockholm earlier this month after Kurdish protesters hung a picture of the Turkish leader from a lamp post.
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström initially declined to comment on Erdogan’s statements.
However, he later added: “Sweden will respect the agreement that exists between Sweden, Finland and Turkey regarding our NATO membership.”
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson defended the right to protest but condemned the “disrespectful” burning of the Koran.
Ankara previously argued that Stockholm must take a clearer stance against groups it sees as terrorists, including Kurdish militants.
Turkey and Hungary are the only NATO members that have not ratified Sweden’s and Finland’s historic decision to break their tradition of military non-alignment.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Erdogan for his comments.
He told Die Welt that “freedom of expression, freedom of opinion is a precious commodity, in Sweden and in all other NATO countries”.
Norway’s ex-prime minister added: “That is why these inappropriate actions are not automatically illegal.”