A wave of anti-Turkey protests in Sweden have inflamed relations between the two countries and put the brakes on Sweden's bid to join NATO.
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green) was forced to clarify his comments on Tuesday after he told Yle that Finland might be forced to think about joining the NATO military alliance without long-time ally Sweden, thanks to opposition from Turkey.
When asked on Yle's breakfast television show whether Finland should still proceed at the same pace as Sweden, Haavisto said Finland should be able to re-think that strategy if necessary. "Of course from the perspective of both countries' security, it is absolutely the number one option", said Haavisto.
"But we have to be ready to re-evaluate the situation. Has something happened that would in the long run prevent Sweden's application from progressing? Now it is too early to take a view on that".Haavisto added however, that joining together remains the preferred option, and that it was too early to take a firm view on the issue.
These latest 'bumps' on the road will see Finland and Sweden's accession process stalled further, at least until after Turkey's elections, which will conclude in mid-May.
Finland, Sweden and Turkey are currently in talks about a possible trilateral meeting in early spring, according to Haavisto.
