NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden.

NATO optimistic about Sweden membership bid after US appeals Turkey for nod

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that the burning of a Koran which took place in Stockholm was "deeply disrespectful", as the act increased tensions with Turkiye as the country continues to get its NATO bid cleared from Ankara.

Swedish PM Kristersson calls burning of Koran ‘deeply disrespectful’

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday said that the demands made by Turkiye, which has kept the NATO membership bids of Finland and Sweden blocked for months, cannot be accepted.

Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM