Turkey’s National Security Council urged Sweden, Finland to act accordingly with the law and spirit of NATO

Those states willing to join the NATO should act in accordance with the law and the spirit of the alliance, Turkey’s National Security Council (MGK) said.

The council urged Sweden and Finland to fulfil their obligations under the tripartite agreement signed in Madrid in June on the fight against terrorism and take concrete steps in this regard as soon as possible, following a meeting led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.

Strongly condemning “The abominable attacks that target the sacred values of billions of people,” the MGK said these attacks are the manifestations of anti-Islamic racism.

“These actions undermine the values such as freedom of religion, conscience and thought and cannot be explained by democracy and freedom of expression. Those who encourage and patronize these actions are partners in this hate crime that disregards human rights,” MGK said.

Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Danish far-right political party Stram Kurs (Hard Line) has burned a copy of Muslim’s holy book of Koran during a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm on Saturday.

The incident caused outrage in Turkey and Turkish politicians including the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have blasted Swedish government for allowing such an incident to take place in their country.

"Those who caused such a disgrace in front of our embassy should not expect any benevolence from us regarding their NATO membership applications," Erdogan said on Monday.

In its monthly meeting, the MGK also discussed the operations held in Turkey and abroad against the “terrorist organizations”.

“If needed, further steps will also be taken. We are fully prepared and have the will for it,” the MGK statement said.

National Security Council also accused Greece of provocative actions against Turkey.

“We will not allow any actions targeting Turkey’s national security and interests,” it said.