Finland must apply to join NATO “without delay”. President Sauli Niinistö and the premier Sanna Marin they have no doubts about the need to join the Atlantic Alliance. The war unleashed by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine it undoubtedly had a preponderant influence on the choice of leaders of a country that has a 1,340 km border with Russia.
“NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security,” Niinisto and Marin said in a joint statement. “Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay and we hope that the nationwide steps still needed to make this decision will be taken quickly within the next few days.”
The official decision on Sunday
The announcement of the president and premier means that Finland is practically certain to apply for membership even if there are some steps to take before the process can begin. The final and official decision will be made on Sunday.
“During this spring an important discussion took place on the possible accession of Finland to NATO”, reads the statement by Niinisto and Marin, in which it is emphasized that “it took some time to let the Parliament and the whole companies took a position on the issue. It took time for close international contacts with NATO and its member countries, as well as with Sweden. We wanted to give the discussion the necessary space. “
“NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a NATO member, Finland would strengthen the entire defense alliance. Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay. We hope national steps are still needed. to take this decision are taken quickly within the next few days “, concludes the joint statement.
Neighboring Sweden should decide to join NATO in the coming days.
NATO’s move: it will defend Sweden and Finland even before accession
by our correspondent Claudio Tito
April 26, 2022
