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NATO chief: Sweden, Finland officially invited to join

MADRID, June 29 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that an official invitation has been addressed to Sweden and Finland to join the alliance.
Speaking at a news conference following A meeting of the NATO leaders, the alliance chief said the invitation came following "hard work that had lasted for several weeks," in addition to contacts with the two countries and Turkey.
A related document had been signed by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
Turkey had opposed to Sweden and Finland's joining the NATO against backdrop of issues, some related to granting asylum to "fugitives" wanted by Ankara.
Ankara, as a NATO member, can veto acceptance of new members. (pickup previous) hnd.rk