Erdogan Plays The Fence, But Risks Angering NATO If He Pushes Too Far

LOCAL NEWS

• Yesterday, Erdogan remained firm in his position to block Sweden & Finland’s NATO accession until turkey’s demands for extraditions and removal of sanctions were met.
  • Source close to Cavusoglu says Erdogan is pushing the FM to take a hard line in negotiations, but is concerned that there is a risk NATO will isolate Turkey if Erdogan pushes too far – Ahval
• Swedish foreign affairs committee says expelling people not considered terrorists according to the EU terror list is “totally unthinkable” following Erdogan’s request.
  • FT article suggests that the first stage of Sweden/Finland’s approval process is unlikely to pass in the next 1-2 weeks – FT
• in yesterday’s meeting FM Cavusoglu & Blinken confirmed willingness to deepen ties through constructive and open dialogue. Cavusoglu said talks on F-16s were going positively, but voiced concerns over Nordic countries’ support for the PKK & export sanctions on Turkey.
  • A few hours later, Jake Sullivan said he was confident Turkey’s concerns can be addressed – Sabah