The Latest Breaking News from Ankara

Will Turkey block Finland and Sweden from becoming NATO members?

While Erdogan has expressed discontent, Washington and the alliance are hopeful that divisive issues can be resolved.

Al Jazeera · May 23, 2022

Factbox: Groups at the heart of Turkey's objections to NATO expansion

Turkey has opposed Sweden and Finland's membership of NATO, accusing them of harbouring individuals linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party militant group (PKK) and followers of a cleric Turkey accuses of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016.

Reuters · May 23, 2022

Turkey threatens to dash Swedish, Finnish hopes of quick NATO entry

Veto-wielding NATO member Turkey is threatening to end Swedish and Finnish membership hopes. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's opposition is rekindling questions over Ankara's allegiances, given its close ties with Moscow.

Radio France Internationale · May 23, 2022

U.S. says Turkey's approach to Sweden, Finland NATO bid not a bilateral topic

Turkey's approach to the NATO accession process of Sweden and Finland is not a bilateral issue between Washington and Ankara, the U.S. State Department said on Friday, but added that Washington was speaking with Ankara and it remained confident that the dispute would be overcome.

Reuters · May 20, 2022

Turkey's President Erdogan to speak with Finland over NATO application row

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will speak to Finland on Saturday, while maintaining his opposition to Finnish and Swedish NATO membership bids over their history of hosting members of groups Ankara deems terrorists

Daily Mirror · May 20, 2022

PKK central to Turkish opposition to Sweden, Finland joining NATO

Turkey views the PKK – and all its affiliates – as security threats, complicating its relationship with Sweden, Finland.

Al Jazeera · May 20, 2022

As NATO member, Finland will commit to Turkey's security, Finnish president says

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Thursday said Finland was open to discussing Turkey's concerns over its accession application to NATO, adding that the country was ready to commit to Ankara's security.

Reuters · May 19, 2022

Turkey threatens to block Finnish and Swedish NATO membership as tensions rise

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has threatened to block Finland and Sweden from joining NATO, urged the alliance's members on Wednesday to "respect" Ankara's concerns about the two countries, which Turkey accuses of harbouring terrorists.

Radio France Internationale · May 18, 2022

Why has Erdoğan doubled down on threat to veto Nordic Nato bids?

Analysis: By demanding extradition of alleged PKK members, Turkish president could have one eye on elections

The Guardian - UK · May 18, 2022

U.S. officials seek clarity on Turkey's view of NATO expansion

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet his Turkish counterpart on Wednesday amid the contradictory signals from Ankara over the expected applications from Finland and Sweden.

WEKU · May 18, 2022