Finland and Sweden expressed their desire to join NATO in May. Their applications have already been approved by 28 alliance countries, except for Hungary and Turkey.
Early Saturday, Rasmus Paludan, leader of the far-right Hard Course party, with the permission of the authorities, burned the Koran, the holy book for all Muslims, near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said the burning of the Koran in Stockholm indicates a high level of Islamophobia, racism and discrimination in Europe. Likewise, the burning of the Koran was condemned by the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Turkish President Erdogan, now Sweden “will not receive support on the issue of joining NATO.”
However, the United States expects Finland and Sweden to join NATO despite statements by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing on Monday.
