Finland takes extra step ahead of Sweden in NATO bid ascension

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The Parliament of Finland moved a step ahead of Sweden in the bid to obtain a full-membership status in the NATO alliance, AFP reported on Tuesday.

This comes as an immense stabbing in the back of Sweden, as just ten days ago, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said that Finland still wants to join NATO with Sweden, noting that "We have sent a very clear signal and a very clear message to Turkey and also to Hungary... that we want to enter NATO together and this is in the interest of everyone."

According to AFP, Finland faces fewer diplomatic challenges than Sweden. 

Moreover, Finland is scheduled to hold elections in April. Therefore to avoid public opinion influencing membership, Finland will rush to effect that ascension before the start of the elections. 

Read more: US to persuade Turkey to vote for Finland and Sweden joining NATO

Following a series of debates earlier today, Finnish lawmakers are set to hold a vote on Wednesday to speed up the ascension process. 

So far, both Finland and Sweden received the backing of all NATO members - to the exception of Turkey and Hungary. 

During today's debates, several MPs have pushed for the bill affirming that Finland approves the conditions set by NATO - even before the general elections - whilst barely a few expressed their outward rejection. 

Leftist MP Markus Mustajarvi, who is a staunch objector of NATO, spoke of the risks involving placing nuclear weapons in Finland. 

"Finland must act in such a way that its actions ease, not increase, tensions between nuclear powers," said Johannes Yrttiaho, another Left Alliance MP.

Read more: Biden says warned Putin of Finland joining NATO

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told lawmakers, "This decision and legislation will not change Finland's position on nuclear weapons".

If the bill comes to pass, this would mean that Finland can act swiftly, even before a new government is formed. 

"The time is now to ratify and to fully welcome Finland and Sweden as members," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said during today's visit to Finland.

Good meetings with President @niinisto & Prime Minister @MarinSanna in Helsinki. Completing #Finland’s & #Sweden’s accession is a priority for #NATO. Time has come to finalise the ratifications & I look forward to welcoming you both as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/impV4dqFOJ

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 28, 2023

Earlier today, Finland announced plans to start the construction of a 200-kilometer fence on its borders with Russia. 

Read more: Unless Madrid deal implemented, Turkey to block Sweden NATO bid: FM