US President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed Finland as a new member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), while encouraging Turkey and Hungary to complete “without delay” the ratification process for Sweden’s entry into the bloc.
“Today, I am proud to welcome Finland as NATO’s 31st ally,” Biden said in a statement, noting that he hopes to do the same with Sweden very soon. “I encourage Turkey and Hungary to conclude their ratification processes without delay,” he added.
The US president recalled that Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO in May 2022. “Both countries are strong democracies with highly trained militaries who share our values and vision of the world. Less than a year later, we welcome Finland as a member, the fastest ratification process in modern NATO history,” he said.
As he already did in Warsaw during his speech days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Biden issued a warning to Moscow and President Vladimir Putin.
“When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought it could divide Europe and NATO. He was wrong. Today we are more united than ever. And together, strengthened by our new ally Finland, we will continue to preserve security. transatlantic,” he insisted.
Finland’s inclusion in the Atlantic bloc puts an end to its non-aligned position and represents a complication for neighboring Russia.
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the NATO expansion was an “intrusion into our security and Russia’s national interests… Moscow would closely monitor any NATO military deployment in Finland.” he warned.
Negotiations in Brussels
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had said Monday in Brussels that Finland brings a well-trained and well-equipped army to the alliance, after Turkey became the last existing member to give its approval to the new inclusion. in a process that must be unanimous.
Stoltenberg also explained that Sweden’s entry as a new NATO member is a priority.
Turkey has expressed its opposition to Sweden’s candidacy, mainly because, according to Ankara, Sweden is too lenient towards groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists.
Meanwhile, Hungary has complained about Stockholm’s criticism of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s record on democracy and the rule of law. NATO diplomats say they hope Budapest will approve Sweden’s offer if it sees Turkey move to do so.
[Con información de Reuters]
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and activate notifications, or follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
