Finland’s parliament on Tuesday approved the country’s draft application for NATO membership. At the end of the two -day parliamentary session, the proposal was adopted by a overwhelming majority of 188 votes in favor and only 8 votes against.
Thus, Finland could send its official candidacy for NATO headquarters, after nearly two centuries of neutrality and after military disorganization.
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö reiterated his certainly to have an agreement with Turkey, which is extremely reluctant for Finland and Sweden to join NATO.
Over the past few days, Turkey’s statements have hardened quickly, he admitted. However, I remain confident that we can resolve the situation through constructive discussions.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde signed her country’s application for NATO membership.
No difference for Russia
Russia, through its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, has announced that Finland’s accession to NATO no difference.
” Finland, Sweden and other neutral countries have participated in NATO military exercises for many years. NATO is considering these territories in its plans to expand to the east. “
However, almost simultaneously with the Finnish parliament approving plans to join NATO, two Finnish diplomats were expelled from Russia.
The Finnish ambassador to Russia was informed in a written statement on Tuesday morning that these expulsions were in response to Finland’s sanctions against Moscow, the expulsion. no basis two employees of the Russian Embassy in Helsinki and the assistance provided to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Support from the international community
The European Council firmly supporting the application of Finland and Sweden to join NATO, reiterated by the head of diplomacy of the European Union (EU), Josep Borrell.
Germany, for its part, has adopted its purposeintensified its military cooperation with these two countries, seeking security assurances for the transition period until their desired integration into NATO.
” It is clear that our countries are bound by the obligation to assist each other in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to provide all possible assistance and support to protect each other. “
Joe Biden, President of the United States, will receive Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö at the White House on Thursday.
they discuss NATO membership of Finland and Sweden and security in Europeas well as support for Ukraine attacked by Russia, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.
The United States has indicated that it will offer security guarantees to the two countries as the membership process takes place.
Source: Radio-Canada
