NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told Turkey on February 16 that it was time to finally ratify Sweden and Finland's bids to join the Western defense alliance. Stoltenberg arrived in Ankara 10 days after Turkey was hit by a massive earthquake that has claimed nearly 40,000 lives across the country's southeast and in parts of Syria. "In your time of need, NATO stands with Turkey," Stoltenberg said after talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. But he also stressed the urgency of Ankara dropping its resistance to bids by the two Nordic neighbors to join the Western defense alliance. To read the original story by AFP, click here.
NATO Chief Tells Turkey It's Time To Ratify Membership For Sweden, Finland
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (file photo)