“Finland does not want NATO to deploy nuclear weapons or establish military bases on its territory, even if we become a member of the Alliance”, said Prime Minister Sana Marin in an interview in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

“The above was part of the negotiations with NATO and I do not think there is any interest in establishing bases or deploying nuclear weapons in our territories,” Marin said.

According to Kathimerini, Russia has repeatedly warned that it will “respond appropriately” in the event that NATO makes such moves.

The Finnish Prime Minister, who is paying a visit to Rome and will meet with her Italian counterpart, Mario Draghi, also referred to Turkey’s objections to Helsinki’s accession, which seem to put a “brake” on the possibility of a speedy accession process, stressing that the issue can be resolved through dialogue.  

“I think at this stage the important thing is to remain calm, to talk to Turkey and all the other members of the Alliance, to answer any questions and to correct any misunderstandings,” she said among other things.

Also read: Finland | Formally calls for NATO membership – “NATO doors are open”