There is currently no active discussion in Finland about applying to join NATO. This was stated by Prime Minister Sanna Marin, speaking on the air of Yle TV.

The country is ready to apply to join the alliance if national security requires it, the politician said, adding that there is a readiness for discussion. However, "at the moment, such an urgent discussion ... is not being conducted," TASS quotes Marin.

Finland's line in foreign and security policy is consistent and stable, and such decisions (on joining NATO - editor's note) "are not made in a hurry," Marin stressed. She added that broad support of the population and parliament is needed in such matters.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statement about readiness to accept Finland and Sweden into the alliance an unceremonious attempt to put pressure on the policies of states friendly to Russia. "We are convinced that in the current turbulent times, a non-bloc status is the most effective way for states to ensure their security," the minister said.

Sweden later confirmed that it was not going to become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance and did not intend to apply. "Swedish security policy remains unchanged. Freedom from military alliances serves us well and contributes to stability and security in Northern Europe," the country's Foreign Ministry stressed.

bbabo.Net