In Sweden, statements by the foreign minister about Kurdish groups in Syria are causing a stir. A former leader of the left insulted the government as “Erdogan’s lap dog”.
Munich — The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to threaten to block Sweden and Finland from joining NATO if Ankara’s demands are not met. Erdogan accuses the Scandinavian countries of “supporting terrorism”. It is about predominantly Kurdish groups in northern Syria.
Now the new Swedish government around Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson seems to be moving closer to Erdogan’s position. Surprising statements by Foreign Minister Tobias Billström caused huge indignation among the opposition and were interpreted as a “kneeling” before Ankara.
Swedish foreign minister surprised — Stockholm distances itself from Kurdish groups
According to information from the public broadcaster “SVT”, Stockholm no longer wants to support the predominantly Kurdish YPG militias and their political arm PYD in northern Syria and distances itself from the groups. “There is too close a connection between these organizations and the PKK, which is recognized by the EU as a terrorist organization,” Foreign Minister Billstrom said in an interview with Swedish radio station Ekot. According to the minister, this is not good for relations with Turkey.
The YPG is considered the most important western ally in the fight against the IS terrorist militia. However, Turkey classifies the organization as a Syrian arm of the PKK and thus as a terrorist group. Ankara regularly presents material intended to show the YPG’s connection to the PKK. “We believe that there are doubts and a problem with those who damage our relationship with Turkey,” Billstrom also underlined.
Sweden’s NATO accession: Kristersson shows “great understanding” for Turkey before meeting with Erdogan
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who is due to meet Erdogan on Tuesday (8 October), echoed his Foreign Minister’s comments ahead of the meeting. However, this is nothing new, but merely the fulfillment of the requirements of the Madrid Agreement with Turkey, “SVT” quoted the prime minister from an interview on the “TV4” channel. It is not said that the YPG are “terrorists”. “But we should not cooperate politically with organizations that have such close ties to the PKK,” the prime minister said. There is “no doubt” that these connections exist between the YPG and the PKK.
Sweden wants to “fight all forms of terrorism,” Kristersson also emphasized: “And the PKK is a terrorist organization. Therefore, we have great understanding for Turkey’s concerns.” Ankara’s security concerns are taken “seriously,” he emphasized.
Turkey also claims money is being collected in Sweden for PKK activities. Kristersson also showed understanding for this: “Sweden should not be a place where it is easy to promote terrorism.” any activity on Swedish territory supporting or raising money for terrorism.”
Swedish opposition outraged by foreign minister’s statements – “Erdogan’s lap dog”
There is great outrage in the Swedish opposition. The former leader of the Swedish Left, Jonas Sjöstedt, wrote on Twitter that the YPG and its associated women’s organization YPJ had made “determined efforts” in the fight against IS. He accused Turkey of helping IS against Kurdish groups. He sharply targeted the Swedish government: it would behave like “Erdogan’s lapdog”.
Talking to the newspaper quickdraws the former social democratic Minister of Justice Morgan Johansson spoke of a “treason” against these groups due to the distancing from the YPG and PYD. In addition, this happens without a vote with the Swedish parliament. The government is violating traditional Swedish foreign policy. Even the agreement with Erdogan at the NATO summit in Madrid was criticized as a “bow”.
Sweden’s NATO accession: Turkish embassy welcomes words from Foreign Minister Billström
The Kurdish-born independent MP Amineh Kakabaveh also expressed her disappointment: “The worst thing is that Sweden falls on its knees in front of a fascist government that murders and carries out chemical attacks against minorities.” A politician around Erdogan also spoke of it beforehand a “kneeling”. Distancing from the YPG is a “security risk” and restricts both human rights and domestic and foreign policy. She again accused Turkey of “racist policies against minorities”.
The Turkish embassy in Stockholm, however, welcomed the statements made by the Swedish government. The YPG and PYD are “organically, hierarchically and financially” linked to the PKK, the embassy told the newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. All partners and allies must acknowledge this “truth,” it said. “We are satisfied that this is becoming increasingly clear to the Swedish authorities,” said the message from the embassy. (bb)
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