Stoltenberg-Turkish Decision On Whether Sweden Joins w/Finland

Speaking at the NATO defence ministers in Brussels, NATO Sec-Gen Jens Stoltenberg talks on efforts to accelerate Sweden and Finland's accession process. Says that it is 'Up to Turkey whether they ratify both or they ratify only one." Confirms that he is visiting Turkey on 16 February for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ostensibly on earthquake recovery support, but also likely to push for an end to the obstruction on the Nordic nations' memberships.

• Terri Schultz at NPR: "Will Finland go it alone? NATO chief Stoltenberg says he still wants Finland and Sweden to join together but that it’s up to Turkey if and when that happens. Clearest signal yet NATO is fine with Finland going ahead alone."
• Stoltenberg: "Finland and Sweden have fulfilled their obligations. 30 allies invited them. 28 have ratified both protocols but...Turkey has two documents - one with Finland, one with Sweden. That's not a NATO decision - it's a Turkey one...When Turkey [and Hungary] ratifies, the process is completed. The idea that it needs a new decision by NATO is wrong. I have urged them, for many months, to ratify them both at the same time."
• Stoltenberg: "NATO to coordinate improvements in protection of critical under sea infrastructure"