Sweden, Finland’s support to PKK harms NATO: Turkiye

BRUSSELS (AA) – The Turkish defense minister has said Sweden and Finland provided political, financial and military support to “terror groups,” threatening not only Türkiye but also NATO. The minister was referring to Kurdish nationalist groups PKK and its offshoot YPG.

Speaking to reporters following a two-day NATO gathering of defense chiefs in Brussels, Hulusi Akar addressed burning issues, including Turkish concerns over the possible membership of Sweden and Finland to the military alliance.

Akar said the arms restrictions imposed on Türkiye also harmed NATO and did not comply with the spirit of the alliance.

He noted that his country seized numerous Swedish-made AT-4 anti-tank weapons during its military operations in northern Syria and Iraq, and this evidence was shared with officials at the NATO meeting.

“On the one hand, they say ‘let us grow stronger and unite against all sorts of threats against NATO,’ but on the other hand, an arms embargo is imposed on Türkiye. Plus, unlimited support is provided for the terror groups,” he said.

Stressing that Türkiye is the only NATO country fighting “terrorism” on multiple fronts, he said his country is the final frontier preventing the spread of terrorism to Europe.

“As Türkiye, we are an active and constructive member sharing values and responsibilities of NATO,” Akar said, and noted that the Turkish government favored the expansion of the alliance, depending on the respect paid to his country’s sensitivities.

Akar also said it is simply “unacceptable” that the “terrorists”, after conducting attacks against the Turkish army in northern Iraq and Syria, fled the region and took shelter in these countries.

Sweden and Finland, amid their NATO bids, are under pressure from Türkiye to end their support for the PKK/YPG group. Turkiye insists that the bloc is a security alliance and that any potential members must take a clear stance against what it considers “terrorism.”

Grain exports amid Russia-Ukraine war

Türkiye remains in contact with both Ukrainian and Russian authorities and the UN to find ways to address the obstacles hampering the grain exports and the humanitarian crisis looming over the region, according to Akar.

“An urgent cease-fire and de-escalation are essential due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The rise of tension harms everyone,” he said.

Akar also warned that the Montreux Convention should not be abused in any way regarding grain exports from the Black Sea ports amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Ties with Greece

Akar, during talks with the Greek defense chief at the NATO meeting, said Ankara seeks to have ties based on peace, prosperity and tranquility with all its neighbors.

Referring to the recently growing tension with Greece, he said the Greek government has started to procure arms, which puts a heavy economic toll on the country’s economy and its people, while Türkiye seeks to sort out issues through peaceful means.

“It is vital that the communication channels are kept open to resolve the current problems,” he said.