Finland to apply for NATO membership on Wednesday
Finland will most likely send its application to join NATO on Wednesday next week, according to Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
Haavisto says the Finns will not be intimidated by Russia.
“We are prepared for possible traditional military threats, violation of our airspace and at sea, even threats to our borders,” Haavisto told the newspaper Aftonbladet.
It has been reported that Sweden may send its NATO application as early as Monday.
“Yes, they may be first,” he said.
“We are very happy with the ongoing process in Sweden and believe it will increase security for both countries,” Haavisto added.
“If the negotiations with NATO start, they will be handled by a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense.”
Finnish President Sauli Niinstö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin went out this week and announced that they both support Finnish NATO membership. The official decision from the Finnish side is expected on Sunday.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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