Sec Gen-Count On Hungary Ratification Of Sweden Bid When Parl't Reconvenes

Wires carrying comments from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stating that the alliance, "can count on Hungary's ratification of Sweden's accession bid when parliament reconvenes in February." The Hungarian National Assembly will reconvene after its winter break on 26 February, and is expected to approve Sweden's accession following an apparent U-turn from PM Viktor Orban. Initially, following Turkey's ratification, Orban indicated that he wanted further negotaitions with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson ahead of giving the final approval.

• Speaking to Swedish outlet TV4, Kristersson stated that while he would meet with Orban at next week's special European Council summit, the talks would not be a re-opening of negotiations. Kristersson said that there will be "No demands that are related to NATO membership - that's not on the table," Instead he said talks would focus on NATO cooperation, the H224 Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the joint use of the Swedish JAS Gripen fighter jet programme.
• Vocal sections of Orban's right-wing populist Fidesz party have opposed Sweden's accession due to Stockholm's criticism of Hungary falling short of EU rule of law standards.