Finland’s accession one step closer, President inks NATO law
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The law was ratified by the Finnish President, allowing the country to join NATO when Hungary and Turkey complete their required ratifications.
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Finland's President Sauli Niinisto speaks at a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, Wednesday, May 11, 2022. (AP)
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto inked the law that allows his country to join NATO, as per local media reports.
After the parliament approved the law earlier this month, the President signed it on Thursday in Helsinki. The ratification of Finland's application will be put to a vote in Hungary next week, while Turkey has stated that it will do so before its parliament goes on recess before the May 14 elections.
Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that the ratification of Finland's membership to join NATO is likely to be completed before the Turkish presidential elections are due on May 14.
On another note, Erdogan said the ratification of Sweden's membership in NATO will depend on Stockholm's future actions.
One request vs. a long list of conditions
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 28, 2022
While #Turkey had a long list of conditions from #Finland and #Sweden, all the two Nordic states wanted was to join #NATO.
Here's your guide to understanding on what basis the agreement was made. pic.twitter.com/Aw7Jtu7frp
Earlier this month, the Parliament of Finland said it moved a step ahead of Sweden in the bid to obtain a full-membership status in the NATO alliance, AFP reported.
This comes as an immense stabbing in the back of Sweden, as just ten days prior, 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."
AFP stated that 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.
