Sweden's ruling party to oppose deployment of NATO nuclear weapons & military bases

In latest development, ruling Swedish Democratic Party (SDP) announced that it would resist deployment of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nuclear weapons and military bases on Swedish soil should country join intergovernmental military alliance. "Social Democrats will work to have Sweden express unilateral reservations against deployment of nuclear weapons and permanent bases on Swedish territory if NATO approves its membership application," party said in a statement, Sputnik reported.

Earlier on Sunday, party announced its official decision to support country's NATO membership bid. It comes just hours after Finland declared its formal decision to join military alliance. Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde stated that a delegation is expected to travel to Turkish capital city of Ankara to discuss Stockholm's membership in NATO. "A delegation will soon travel to Ankara to review application to NATO,"  Linde was quoted as saying by Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Sputnik reported. 

Turkey opposes Finland and Sweden's decisions to join NATO

According to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, majority of Turks oppose Finland and Sweden joining NATO because of ir open support for Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Kurdish YPG militia, which are considered terrorists by Ankara. Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson stated that joining NATO is best option for country and its citizens' security. decision is expected to be debated in Finnish Parliament on Monday, whereas, voting on same will be held on May 17. 

Sweden & Finland decide to join NATO despite Russia's warning

It is significant to mention here that Sweden and Finland have taken moves towards joining NATO, while Georgia's candidacy is once again being debated, despite Moscow's severe warnings about implications if its neighbour joins intergovernmental military alliance. "Finland and Sweden are alrey closest partners of NATO. I expect allies to view ir applications positively," Mircea Geoana, NATO Deputy-Secretary General, remarked. In April, both Finland and Sweden h indicated that y would be making decision of applying for NATO membership before Alliance's summit scheduled in Mrid in month of June. 

Image: AP