In Finland, they thought about creating a NATO base in the city of Lappeenranta, which is half an hour’s drive from the border with Russia.
KYIV. UkraineGate. 3. . July . 2022 | World News.
Quote
“The city of Lappeenranta wants to get the most benefits from Finland’s accession to NATO. Political decision-makers and civil servants of Lappeenranta have hinted at the hope that with NATO membership it will even be possible to establish a base in Lappeenranta,” the report says.
Details
The mayor of Lappeenranta, Kimmo Järva, says that the idea was born at a time when the discussion about joining NATO was revived, and also because South Karelia is on the border of Europe and Russia.
It is noted that there was no political discussion on this issue in the defense sector and it was not discussed with the defense forces. However, the city of Lappeenranta hopes that the defense forces will invest in South Karelia with NATO membership.
“I was thinking, for example, about the airport. It is certainly available if the defense forces so desire. And what is the placement of the ground school and the defense forces – whether there will be any changes in this, I cannot say, because I am an amateur,” said Jarva.
According to Jarva, progress in NATO membership has given hope to all of South Karelia. For example, it gives a sense of security and trust to companies.
Addition
Leaders of NATO member states officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the Alliance.
Context
Sweden and Finland officially applied for NATO membership on May 18. This decision was prompted by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, which began on February 24. Turkey, a longtime member of the alliance, has objected to their membership bids, criticizing the countries for supporting “terrorist groups”.
Ankara put forward 10 conditions for the countries, the fulfillment of which will open the door to the Alliance.
After in-depth negotiations between the countries, Turkey declared that it would support the membership of Sweden and Finland in NATO at the summit in Madrid.
Let’s add
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that NATO will protect all allies , including Finland and Sweden, from threats, including those that may be posed by Russia.
Source: Ukrgate
