Turkish Pres: We Can't Put Aside Swedish Sanctions Against Us

Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the launching of new navy submarines, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan states that he 'cannot in any way put aside Sweden's imposition of sanctions against us'. Erdogan's hard line stance on demanding major concessions from Sweden before it countenances allowing the country enter NATO.

• Erdogan: "Turkey expects its NATO allies to take concrete steps to address its security concerns rather than making useless statements".
• Erdogan: "While our role in NATO is clear, we are still talking to our allies about lifting sanctions."
• Says that both Finland and Sweden must take 'concrete steps' on national security, and that Turkey's expetations related to terror 'must be met'.
• Yesterday, Erdogan held a call with NATO Sec-Gen Jens Stoltenberg, relaying similar information that Turkey would not back down until its concerns are addressed. The longer this drags on the more animosity that could be turned towards Turkey by other NATO members, while the risk of a backlash to the attempted entry to the bloc could mount in Sweden and Finland (although public opinion remains firmly in favour of membership at present).