“We are convinced that our membership would strengthen NATO and add to the stability in the Euro Atlantic area,” she added…reports Asian Lite News
The process to ratify Sweden and Finland as the newest members of NATO was formally launched on Tuesday, the military alliance’s head Jens Stoltenberg said, marking a historic step brought on by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“This is a good day for Finland and Sweden and a good day for NATO,” Stoltenberg told reporters in a joint press statement with the Swedish and Finnish foreign ministers.
“With 32 nations around the table, we will be even stronger and our people will be even safer as we face the biggest security crisis in decades,” he added.
The NATO secretary general was speaking ahead of a meeting in which the ambassadors from NATO’s 30 member states were expected to sign the accession protocols for the two Nordic countries, opening a months-long period for alliance countries to ratify their membership.
“We are tremendously grateful for all the strong support that our accession has received from the allies,” said Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde.
“We are convinced that our membership would strengthen NATO and add to the stability in the Euro Atlantic area,” she added.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Sweden and Finland in parallel announced their intention to drop their military non-alignment status and become part of NATO.
A NATO summit in Madrid last week endorsed that move by issuing invitations to the two, after Turkey won concessions over concerns it had raised and a US promise it would receive new warplanes.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had accused Sweden and Finland of being havens for Kurdish militants he has sought to crush, and for promoting “terrorism.”
He also demanded they lift arms embargoes imposed for Turkey’s 2019 military incursion into Syria.
But Erdogan has kept the rest of NATO on tenterhooks by saying he could still block Sweden and Finland’s bids if they fail to follow through on their promises, some of which were undisclosed, such as possible extradition agreements.
Moscow’s relations with Helsinki and Stockholm would inevitably sour over their NATO membership, he added…reports Asian Lite News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned NATO’s “imperial ambitions”, accusing the military alliance of seeking to assert its “supremacy” through the Ukraine conflict.
The Russian leader also said on Wednesday that he would respond in kind if NATO deployed troops and infrastructure in Finland and Sweden after the two Nordic countries join the military alliance.
Putin made his comment a day after NATO member Turkey lifted its veto over the bid by Finland and Sweden to join the alliance when the three nations agreed to protect each other’s security.
Helsinki and Stockholm joining NATO marks one of the biggest shifts in European security in decades.
“With Sweden and Finland, we don’t have the problems that we have with Ukraine. They want to join NATO, go ahead,” Putin told Russian state television after talks with regional leaders in the central Asian ex-Soviet state of Turkmenistan.
“But they must understand there was no threat before, while now, if military contingents and infrastructure are deployed there, we will have to respond in kind and create the same threats for the territories from which threats towards us are created,” he said.
Moscow’s relations with Helsinki and Stockholm would inevitably sour over their NATO membership, he added.
“Everything was fine between us, but now there might be some tensions, there certainly will,” Putin said.
“It’s inevitable if there is a threat to us.”
Putin also denied that Moscow’s forces were responsible for a missile raid on a crowded shopping centre in the Ukrainian town of Kremenchuk earlier this week, in which at least 18 people were killed and many remain missing in the rubble.
“Our army does not attack any civilian infrastructure sites. We have every capability of knowing what is situated where,” Putin told a news conference in the Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat.
“I am convinced that this time, everything was done in this exact manner,” Putin said.
Ukraine accuses Russia of targeting the shopping centre and civilian shoppers.
Putin made his comment as NATO on Wednesday branded Russia the biggest “direct threat” to Western security after its invasion of Ukraine. The military alliance also agreed on plans to modernise Kyiv’s beleaguered armed forces, saying it stood fully behind Ukrainians’ “heroic defence of their country”.
“President Putin’s war against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe and has created the biggest security crisis in Europe since the Second World War,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference.
“NATO has responded with strength and unity,” he said.
US President Joe Biden announced more land, sea and air force deployments across Europe, including a permanent army headquarters with accompanying battalion in Poland – the first full-time US deployment on NATO’s eastern fringes.
Top US intelligence official Avril Haines said on Wednesday the most likely near-term scenario for the war is a grinding conflict in which Moscow makes only incremental gains but no breakthrough on its goal of taking most of Ukraine.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg stressed the “necessity to meet the expectations of Turkey, an important ally”…reports Asian Lite News
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Turkey’s security concerns on Sweden and Finland’s intention to join the alliance were based on “just and legitimate” grounds, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
“Both countries should clearly display that they have given up supporting terrorism, that they have lifted sanctions against Turkey, and that they are ready to show alliance solidarity,” Erdogan told the NATO chief in a phone call, Xinhua news agency reported.
Stoltenberg stressed the “necessity to meet the expectations of Turkey, an important ally.”
Sweden and Finland formally applied to join NATO following the Russia-Ukraine conflict that erupted in late February.
NATO allies, except for Turkey, have welcomed the Nordics’ appeal. Ankara, however, citing the Swedish and Finnish ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and other anti-Turkey outlawed groups, objected to their entry into the alliance.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
Turkey demanded an array of “concrete assurances” from Sweden and Finland, which included “termination of political support for terrorism,” “elimination of the source of terrorism financing” and “cessation of arms support” to the PKK and its Syrian Kurdish offshoot.
The demands also include the lifting of the two countries’ arms sanctions against Turkey.
Erdogan also told Sweden and Finland delegations not to bother coming to Ankara to convince it to approve their NATO bids…reports Asian Lite News
Turkey will not approve Sweden’s NATO membership if the country does not extradite “terrorists” upon Turkish request, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
“Supporting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Syria’s Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) terrorist organisations and asking us for support for NATO membership is, to say the least, inconsistent. We asked Sweden to return 30 terrorists, but they refused to do so,” Erdogan added on Wednesday while addressing his party’s lawmakers.
“We cannot say yes to making this security organisation deprived of security,” the President said.
Erdogan also told Sweden and Finland delegations not to bother coming to Ankara to convince it to approve their NATO bids.
The bloc’s expansion can be “meaningful” if it respects the member states’ sensitivities, the Turkish President noted, urging other NATO members to “respect” Turkey’s concerns about Finland and Sweden’s intention to join the alliance.
Finland and Sweden on Wednesday formally submitted their membership applications to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Turkey has accused both nations of supporting “terrorist organisations,” referring to the PKK and YPG.
Helsinki and Stockholm have reportedly rejected or dismissed Ankara’s request for the extradition of “terrorists”.
The government has also decided on a bill that will make it possible for Sweden to receive military support from all European Union and NATO countries, she said…reports Asian Lite News
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has announced the official decision to start the process of the country’s application to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
“It is clear that there is a broad majority in Sweden’s parliament for Sweden to join NATO,” Andersson said on Monday during a press conference.
“We leave one era and go into another. We will inform NATO that we want to become a member of the alliance,” she added.
According to Andersson, Sweden’s NATO Ambassador in Brussels will submit the country’s NATO application within the next few days. The application will be submitted together with Finland.
The government has also decided on a bill that will make it possible for Sweden to receive military support from all European Union and NATO countries, she said.
On Sunday, Sweden’s ruling Social Democratic Party (SAP) granted support for the country’s NATO membership application, marking a fundamental change in the party’s position as a staunch opponent of military alignment.
However, the SAP’s decision drew criticisms and concerns in the country.
“Through this decision, Sweden contributes to making the world more militarised and polarised. A NATO membership does not make Sweden or the world more secure or democratic — rather the opposite,” Agnes Hellstrom, Chairman of the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society, wrote in a statement.
Swedish Social Democratic Youth Union Chairman, Lisa Nabo said in a statement that the union demands the government “guarantee a Sweden free of nuclear weapons, a nuclear-weapon-free zone across the Nordic region and that foreign military bases are never established in Sweden”.
Andersson said Russia would increase its “military presence in this region if Sweden and/or Finland sends in an application”…reports Asian Lite News
Britain has pledged to defend Sweden if the country came under attack, with Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Magdalena Andersson signing a security assurance deal outside Stockholm.
The accord was signed on Wednesday as Sweden and Finland are pondering whether to join NATO following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Andersson said Russia would increase its “military presence in this region if Sweden and/or Finland sends in an application”.
Should they apply, there will be an interim period lasting from when an application has been handed in until all 30 NATO members’ parliaments have ratified it.
Johnson is later expected to make a similar defence commitment to Finland, where he will meet President Sauli Niinisto.
The agreement will “fortify Northern Europe’s defences, in the face of renewed threats”, Johnson said in a statement, adding it “is a symbol of the everlasting assurance between our nations”.
“These are not a short-term stop-gap, but a long-term commitment to bolster military ties and global stability, and fortify Europe’s defences for generations to come,” Johnson said in the statement.
Finland shares a 1,340km (830-mile) land border with Russia.
“And whether it’s in the event of a disaster or a military attack, what we’re saying today is that upon request from the other party, we would come to the other parties’ assistance,” Johnson told a joint news conference. He said the war in Ukraine is Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s bloodthirsty campaign against a sovereign nation”.
Andersson said: “Putin thought he could cause division, but he has achieved the opposite. We stand here today more united than ever.”
Johnson met Andersson in Harpsund, the country retreat of Swedish prime ministers, which is located about 90km (55 miles) southwest of Stockholm.
Johnson, who said Putin was “a 21st-century tyrant”, also offered during his one-day visit to increase the deployments of British troops and military assets to the region.
Pleased to welcome PM @BorisJohnson to Sweden. Important discussions on our broad bilateral relation & joint efforts to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. Agreed to strengthen 🇸🇪 🇬🇧 security & defence cooperation through a political declaration of solidarity. pic.twitter.com/ZUjF54jZsS
The UK is already present in the Baltic Sea areas with the Joint Expeditionary Force, which consists of 10 Northern European nations: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway along with the UK.
In 2017, Sweden and Finland joined the British-led military rapid reaction force, which is designed to be more flexible and respond quicker than the larger NATO alliance.
It uses NATO standards and doctrine, so it can operate in conjunction with NATO, the UN or other multinational coalitions. Fully operational since 2018, the forces have held a number of exercises independently and in cooperation with NATO.
UAE government has informed envoys of both Israel and Sweden about UAE’s protest against events taking place in Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque and also against the burning of copies of the Holy Quran by extremists in Sweden, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, summoned Amir Hayek, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the UAE, and informed him of the country’s strong protest and denunciation of the events taking place in Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque, including attacks on civilians and incursions into holy places that resulted in the injury of a number of civilians.
She also summoned Swedish ambassador Liselott Andersson, and informed her of the UAE’s protest against the burning of copies of the Holy Quran by extremists in the country.
In her talks with Israeli envoy, Al Hashemy stressed the need to immediately stop the violent incidents, provide full protection for worshipers, respect the right of Palestinians to practice their religious rites, and halt any practices that violate the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque. Moreover, she expressed concern over the escalation of tension that threatens stability and security in the region.
Furthermore, she underscored the need to respect the custodial role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan over the holy sites and endowments in accordance with international law and the historical situation at hand, and not to compromise the authority of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration and Al Aqsa Mosque.
Al Hashemy stressed the need to foster an appropriate environment that would allow a return to serious negotiations aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with legitimate international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Meanwhile, in her talks with the Swedish ambassador, Al Hashemy affirmed the UAE’s rejection of all practices that offend religions, stressing the need to respect religious symbols and avoid incitement and polarisation.
Moreover, Minister Al Hashemy underscored that such practices only lead to more tension and confrontation at a time when the world needs to work together to spread the values of tolerance and coexistence and reject hatred and extremism.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson earlier had also condemned the unrest that has engulfed several cities across the country following anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rallies organised by Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan.
Last Thursday, Paludan and his anti-immigration political party scheduled a demonstration that included burning a copy of the Muslim holy book in the Swedish city of Linkoping with the permission of local authorities. The police had to intervene as Muslim counter-protesters stepped in, attacking officers and setting police cars ablaze. According to Andersson, in Linkoping and several other cities, where similar clashes occurred, a total of 44 people have been arrested.
“I will make it very clear, those attacking the Swedish police, attack the Swedish democratic society. The perpetrators must be arrested, prosecuted and serve a sentence in prison,” Andersson said to Aftonbladet newspaper in a letter.
She claimed being disgusted by Paludan’s hateful views, but stressed that it was “unacceptable, irresponsible and illegal” to respond to them with violence.
“Over the last few days, we witnessed terrible sights in many cities of Sweden. The police officers who wished to celebrate Easter with their families in a peaceful atmosphere were forced to protect laws and freedom of speech, while risking their lives,” Andersson added.
Paludan has the record of spurring massive discontent by publicly burning Quran as a manifestation of his anti-Muslim views. He calls for banning Islam in Denmark and deporting all people of non-Western origin who received shelter in the country.
Recep-Tayyip-Erdogan
Israel Prez speaks to Erdogan
Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by phone amid security tensions, the Israeli presidential press office said.
“The telephone call was held in connection with the request of the President of Turkey to speak with President Herzog in the context of security tensions in recent days. The conversation was held in a good and open spirit,” the statement said.
Erdogan expressed “concern and pain” in connection with the events of recent days and stressed that the status quo in holy places is very important for the Muslim world.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has condemned the “deliberate” abuse of the Holy Qur’an, as well as provocations and incitement against Muslims by some extremists in Sweden…reports Asian Lite News
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of concerted efforts to spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
The statement also emphasised renouncing hatred, extremism, and exclusion, the Arab News reported.
The Kingdom highlighted the efforts to prevent abuse of all religions and holy sites, the statement said.
Three people in the Swedish city of Norrkoping needed medical attention after being hit by police bullets during clashes between police and protesters following Qur’an burnings that caused riots in several Swedish towns over the Easter weekend.
In some places counter-protesters attacked police ahead of planned right-wing extremist demonstrations. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has condemned the violence.
In a statement, the Swedish police has confirmed that “three people seem to have been hit by ricochets and are now being cared for in hospital. All three injured are arrested on suspicion of crime.”
However, none of the injuries were life-threatening, according to reports.
Police said the situation in Norrkoping was calm on Sunday evening.
Police and protesters have been engaged in serious clashes during the past days, resulting in several police suffering injuries and multiple vehicles torched.
The violence began on Thursday after a demonstration organized by Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right political party Hard Line.
Zimbabwe, Zambia set to increase power generation as Kariba Dam rehabilitation ends
Rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam wall, to boost power generation by the Zambian and Zimbabwean power utilities, is expected to be completed by the end of this month, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has said in a statement…reports Asian Lite News
During the fourth quarter of 2021, ZRA requested Zambia’s power utility Zesco Limited and the Zimbabwe Power Company to reduce power generation levels to six hours on a few selected dates, in a bid to facilitate cofferdam construction works under the plunge pool reshaping sub-project of the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, Xinhua news agencies reported.
Regarding the load shedding of the Zimbabwe power company due to the rehabilitation, the statement said after the work is finished “the utilities were expected to implement measures that would mitigate the resulting reduction in power generation levels at Kariba.”
The specific works under the pool reshaping sub-project have since advanced and are due to be completed by January 25, ZRA said.
Looking forward, ZRA said the remaining rehabilitation works would not result in the two utilities reducing generation levels at their respective Kariba power stations.
“The KDRP is scheduled to be completed by 2024 and is aimed at assuring the long-term safety and reliability of Kariba Dam,” ZRA said.
The refurbishment project, which commenced in 2017, comprises the reshaping of the plunge pool and the refurbishment of the spillway gates.
The $294 million rehabilitation project is funded by the European Union, the World Bank, African Development Bank, the government of Sweden and ZRA on behalf of the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, through a combination of grants and loans.
Andersson also said that Sweden will strengthen its defence cooperation with Finland and other Nordic neighbours within the EU, alongside deepening its partnership with NATO and the United States…reports Asian Lite News.
Sweden has no plans to join NATO, the country’s prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, said on Tuesday while presenting the new government’s policy.
“Our non-participation in military alliances serves our country well and contributes to stability and security in northern Europe. Sweden will not apply for membership in NATO. Sweden will not take a passive stance if another Nordic country or EU member state suffers a disaster or an attack, and we expect these countries to act in the same way if Sweden is affected,” Andersson said in a statement posted on the government’s website.
"#Sweden will not join #NATO" Swedish Prime Minister Andersson
– In her first government policy statement said that Sweden will not apply for NATO membership, and will not take a passive stance if another Nordic country or EU Member State suffers a disaster or an attack". pic.twitter.com/ggJtf5dhkS
Andersson also said that Sweden will strengthen its defence cooperation with Finland and other Nordic neighbours within the EU, alongside deepening its partnership with NATO and the United States.
The Swedish parliament on Monday voted for Social Democratic Party leader Andersson to become the nation’s first female prime minister after the first vote ended in a flop over a draft budget proposed by the previous Swedish government that failed to gain a majority.
