NATO membership, representatives of Finland and Sweden in Ankara to persuade Erdogan not to veto

Representatives of Sweden and Finland will meet with Turkish officials today to discuss their intentions to join the NATO military alliance. The two Nordic countries submitted their bids to join the Western military alliance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But, initially, they need the support of 30 NATO members.

For several days now Turkey has threatened to use vetous against their membership. President Erdogan accuses Finland, Sweden of sheltering supporters of Kurdish separatist militant group PKK.

We remember here that Sweden and Finland have imposed sanctions on Ankara in 2019 after a military withdrawal in Syria, where several Kurdish militants are active.

Some analysts believe Turkey may object to efforts to seek concessions from other NATO members. The Finnish foreign minister said he hoped both sides could clarify their differences.