NATO rules out that the Madrid summit is a deadline for the accession of Sweden and Finland

Considers Turkey's misgivings "legitimate" and promises more talks to clear Ankara's doubts

MADRID, 12 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has assured this Sunday that the next summit of the Atlantic Alliance in Madrid at the end of the month does not suppose a "deadline" to finish off the incorporation of Sweden and Finland, right now vetoed by Turkey, to the international military organization.

Likewise, Stoltenberg has described as "legitimate" Ankara's suspicions towards two countries that Turkey accuses of having links with organizations it considers terrorists.

"It must be admitted that Turkey faces the threat of terrorism more than any other NATO ally," Stoltenberg explained from Finland, where he met with President Sauli Niinisto.

Although Stoltenberg reiterated that he was surprised by the Turkish veto -- "We had reason to believe that the requests would be supported by all allies" -- the NATO secretary general believes that Ankara's concerns are worthy of "a discussion to try to solve them."

Turkey demands that Sweden and Finland cut ties with members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the People's Protection Units, and expel any associated groups from its territory.

In addition, Ankara demands that Stockholm and Helsinki lift the embargo on defense industry products and extradite people associated with terrorists including suspected participants in the attempted military coup in Turkey in 2016.

However, Stoltenberg has asked Turkey to understand the situation in the context of the war in Ukraine and give its approval to the incorporation.

"We live in a more dangerous world where Russia is trying to reshape the world order and establish zones of influence. This was one of the reasons why Finland and Sweden decided to join NATO. On the other hand, Turkey has always supported NATO's open-door policy," he declared.