FM optimistic about resolving NATO bid issues with Turkey

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on Sunday expressed his optimism about resolving the issues with Turkey regarding Finland´s NATO membership application.

Talking to the national broadcaster Yle at the conference of Vihreä Liitö (Green League) in Joensuu, Haavisto, however, said that the negotiation process may take time.

He said that negotiations will continue at the official level, but it is unlikely to find out any rapid progress, said the Yle report.

"I am optimistic that the problems will be solved, but it may take some time," said the Yle report, quoting Haavisto as saying.

Ankara had raised objections to the ascension of Finland and Sweden days ahead of their NATO membership bids.

It claims that the two countries are harboring Kurdish groups such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Syrian People's Defense Units (YPG) which Turkey has branded as "terrorists."

Haavisto said that NATO summit will take place in Madrid at the end of June and NATO is expected to clarify the matter in the meeting.

Earlier on Saturday, President Sauli Niinistö held a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and discussed Finland’s NATO membership application.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on 13 May said that it was not possible for Turkey to support the possible NATO membership applications by Finland and Sweden.

Turkey has blocked discussions on Finland and Sweden's NATO accession hours after the countries officially launched their bids to join the alliance.

On 19 May, Erdogan said that Turkey would say "no" to Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid, as the country would not make the same "mistake" again.