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US hopeful for Finland, Sweden’s accession to NATO, despite Erdogan’s rhetoric

USA continue to expect that NATO will formally welcome Finland and Sweden as members, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said

WASHINGTON, January 24. /TASS/. The United States expects Finland and Sweden to join NATO, despite statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who warned that Stockholm should not hope for Ankara’s backing following the burning of a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing on Monday.

"As we have said before, Finland and Sweden are ready to be NATO allies," Jean-Pierre said. "We continue to expect that NATO will formally welcome Finland and Sweden as members," she said.

"This will enhance their security as well as that of the Euro-Atlantic region as their membership process continues, and the United States is fully committed to Finland, and Sweden's accession [to NATO]," the White House press secretary added.

On Saturday, Rasmus Paludan, leader of the extreme rightist party Hard Line, burned the Holy Quran, in protest against Turkey’s position on a number of issues on the international agenda.

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United States NATO Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Finland Sweden

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