A malfunction caused Sweden's research rockets to crash land in Norwegian territory. On Monday at 7:20 a.m. local time, the rocket was launched from the Esrange Space Centre before crashing into a Norwegian mountain range. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) expressed regret for the mishap and started an investigation. Esrange Space Centre is managed by the SSC.

Sweden's research rocket accidentally crashes in Norway

The United States on Wednesday called upon Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's membership to the NATO alliance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was&nbsp;on a visit to Sweden, hoped that the Russian maritime neighbour will become a NATO member before July 2023.&nbsp;

"We look forward to soon welcoming Sweden as the 32nd (member of NATO). To be clear, we look forward to that to happen before the summit in July," Austin told a news conference.

"We encourage our allies, Turkey and Hungary, to ratify Sweden's accession as soon as possible."

The US&nbsp;defence secretary's Sweden visit coincides with the Scandinavian nation's biggest military exercise for more than a quarter of a century, Aurora 23.

Around 700 US marines will take part in the exercise along with troops from Britain, Finland, Poland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Denmark, Austria, Germany and France.

In total, around 26,000 military personnel will take part in exercises around Sweden on land, at sea and in the air.

Along with Finland, Sweden applied to join NATO in May last year. Finland's application was processed in record time and it became the 31st member of the alliance earlier this month.

Sweden's accession has been held up by Turkey and Hungary, who have not&nbsp;yet ratified Sweden as a NATO member.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO

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Austin was in Sweden to hold talks with Defence Minister Pal Jonson about the war in Ukraine and Sweden's NATO application.

Sweden's defence minister said Austin's visit, which included a tour of the underground naval base at Musko, was a signal of the United States' commitment to Sweden's security "on a bilateral basis" and was an opportunity for Sweden to showcase its military capabilities.

The Musko base contains a naval dockyard, workshops, offices, warehouses and a hospital, all excavated deep beneath the rocks of Musko island during the 1950s and 60s.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Wednesday called upon Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's membership to the NATO alliance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was on a visit to Sweden, hoped that the Russian maritime neighbour will become a NATO member before July 2023.

The United States on Wednesday called upon Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's membership to the NATO alliance. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was on a visit to Sweden, hoped that the Russian maritime neighbour will become a NATO member before July 2023. "We look forward to soon welcoming Sweden as the 32nd (member of NATO). To be clear, we look forward to that to happen before the summit in July," Austin told a news conference. "We encourage our allies, Turkey and Hungary, to ratify Sweden's accession as soon as possible." The US defence secretary's Sweden visit coincides with the Scandinavian nation's biggest military exercise for more than a quarter of a century, Aurora 23. Around 700 US marines will take part in the exercise along with troops from Britain, Finland, Poland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Denmark, Austria, Germany and France. In total, around 26,000 military personnel will take part in exercises around Sweden on land, at sea and in the air. Along with Finland, Sweden applied to join NATO in May last year. Finland's application was processed in record time and it became the 31st member of the alliance earlier this month. Sweden's accession has been held up by Turkey and Hungary, who have not yet ratified Sweden as a NATO member. ALSO WATCH | Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO × Austin was in Sweden to hold talks with Defence Minister Pal Jonson about the war in Ukraine and Sweden's NATO application. Sweden's defence minister said Austin's visit, which included a tour of the underground naval base at Musko, was a signal of the United States' commitment to Sweden's security "on a bilateral basis" and was an opportunity for Sweden to showcase its military capabilities. The Musko base contains a naval dockyard, workshops, offices, warehouses and a hospital, all excavated deep beneath the rocks of Musko island during the 1950s and 60s. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US steps up Russia's NATO encirclement process with wargame over Sweden

Finland has become the 31st member of the Nato security alliance, and its flag will soon be raised at the alliance's headquarters. The Finnish foreign minister handed the accession document to the US secretary of state who declared Finland a member.

Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon?

The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out.&nbsp;Finland can now formally join NATO in a couple of days.

“All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö&nbsp;tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said.

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The role of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is prominent as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts have claimed that Ukraine's persistence on wanting to join the military alliance was the cause of the war&nbsp;that Vladimir Putin started in February 2022.

We explain the basic&nbsp;tenets of NATO, as well as how the inclusion of Finland can&nbsp;reshape the group.

<h2>Firstly, Why Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance?</h2>

The two nations have a long history of maintaining their neutrality and avoiding military alliances. However, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, this stance changed.&nbsp;

Experts claim that Vladimir Putin's activities have undermined a long-standing sense of stability in northern Europe, making countries like Sweden and Finland feel vulnerable, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

As soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb declared that his country's membership in the alliance was a "done deal."&nbsp;

Finland had been invaded by the Soviets in late 1939. Although being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish army put up a valiant fight for more than three months. They managed to evade occupation but ultimately lost 10 per cent&nbsp;of their area.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-buying-weapons-from-north-korea-in-exchange-for-food-claims-us-577670">Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US</a>

As there have been numerous reports of Russian military aircraft violating Swedish airspace, Sweden has likewise felt at danger.

Only 28 per cent&nbsp;of Sweden's population indicated in April 2014 that they would be willing to join the alliance, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/660842/survey-on-perception-of-nato-membership-in-sweden/">data compiled by Statista</a>. When the question was reposed in February 2022, the percentage increased to 41 per cent&nbsp;in favour of Sweden joining NATO. This percentage rose to 64 per cent&nbsp;in July 2022.&nbsp;

Similar to Finland, there was a shift in opinion about joining NATO. Only 24 per cent&nbsp;of the populace wants the nation to join the alliance in October 2021. Nevertheless, this increased to 76 per cent&nbsp;in May 2022.

Sweden and Finland were invited by all NATO partners in June of last year, and the ratification process has been proceeding ever since. While Sweden's bid to join the alliance is still encountering difficulties, Finland has received approval from all 30 countries, with Turkey being the latest to do so.

<h2>What would Finland's and Sweden's&nbsp;inclusion mean for NATO?</h2>

With Finland's inclusion, NATO's border with Russia will grow from its current 6 per cent&nbsp;land perimeter to its entire length. That would provide the alliance access to Finland's well-trained military, which currently employs weaponry that are compatible with the alliance, allowing it to increase its surveillance of Russia's western flank.

Although,&nbsp;Russia is now mired in its conflict in Ukraine, it still poses a small threat, and allies shouldn't underestimate Moscow's capacity to rebuild its military after the conflict, reported The Japan Times.&nbsp;

Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, three of the EU's Baltic countries who are frequently considered prospective targets of Russian attack, will be protected by the bloc's increased security of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea as a result of Finland's entry.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership

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It adds a second Arctic nation to the alliance, one whose military has been trained for cold weather, which is a valuable asset at a time when the High North is becoming more strategically significant due to China's and Russia's increased presence there.&nbsp;

Since the two Nordic countries submitted their applications in May of last year, Finland's ratification represents one of the fastest memberships in NATO history. It took two years for North Macedonia to become the last member of the alliance.

<h2>What does NATO signify and who are part of it?</h2>

The United States,&nbsp;United Kingdom, Canada, and France were among the 12 nations that established NATO in 1949. The goal of this bloc was to protect one another from the former Soviet Union. It was the first military alliance between the United States and a non-Western country.&nbsp;

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The core idea of collective defence as outlined in Article 5 binds group members, who have increased from 12 at the start to 30 at the most recent count. It still serves as a distinctive and enduring tenet that unites its members, committing them to defend one another and fostering a feeling of unity within the Alliance.

At present,&nbsp;NATO has 30 members. They are made up of 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out.

The NATO membership of Finland was unanimously approved by the Turkish parliament on Thursday (March 30), effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance while keeping Sweden out. Finland can now formally join NATO in a couple of days. “All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said. pic.twitter.com/bK15QpZKGX — Sauli Niinistö (@niinisto) March 30, 2023 × The role of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is prominent as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts have claimed that Ukraine's persistence on wanting to join the military alliance was the cause of the war that Vladimir Putin started in February 2022. We explain the basic tenets of NATO, as well as how the inclusion of Finland can reshape the group. Firstly, Why Finland and Sweden want to join the alliance? The two nations have a long history of maintaining their neutrality and avoiding military alliances. However, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, this stance changed. Experts claim that Vladimir Putin's activities have undermined a long-standing sense of stability in northern Europe, making countries like Sweden and Finland feel vulnerable, as reported by AFP. As soon as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, former Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb declared that his country's membership in the alliance was a "done deal." Finland had been invaded by the Soviets in late 1939. Although being vastly outnumbered, the Finnish army put up a valiant fight for more than three months. They managed to evade occupation but ultimately lost 10 per cent of their area. ALSO READ | Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US As there have been numerous reports of Russian military aircraft violating Swedish airspace, Sweden has likewise felt at danger. Only 28 per cent of Sweden's population indicated in April 2014 that they would be willing to join the alliance, according to data compiled by Statista. When the question was reposed in February 2022, the percentage increased to 41 per cent in favour of Sweden joining NATO. This percentage rose to 64 per cent in July 2022. Similar to Finland, there was a shift in opinion about joining NATO. Only 24 per cent of the populace wants the nation to join the alliance in October 2021. Nevertheless, this increased to 76 per cent in May 2022. Sweden and Finland were invited by all NATO partners in June of last year, and the ratification process has been proceeding ever since. While Sweden's bid to join the alliance is still encountering difficulties, Finland has received approval from all 30 countries, with Turkey being the latest to do so. What would Finland's and Sweden's inclusion mean for NATO? With Finland's inclusion, NATO's border with Russia will grow from its current 6 per cent land perimeter to its entire length. That would provide the alliance access to Finland's well-trained military, which currently employs weaponry that are compatible with the alliance, allowing it to increase its surveillance of Russia's western flank. Although, Russia is now mired in its conflict in Ukraine, it still poses a small threat, and allies shouldn't underestimate Moscow's capacity to rebuild its military after the conflict, reported The Japan Times. Additionally, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, three of the EU's Baltic countries who are frequently considered prospective targets of Russian attack, will be protected by the bloc's increased security of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea as a result of Finland's entry. ALSO WATCH | Turkey formally approves Finland’s NATO membership It adds a second Arctic nation to the alliance, one whose military has been trained for cold weather, which is a valuable asset at a time when the High North is becoming more strategically significant due to China's and Russia's increased presence there. Since the two Nordic countries submitted their applications in May of last year, Finland's ratification represents one of the fastest memberships in NATO history. It took two years for North Macedonia to become the last member of the alliance. What does NATO signify and who are part of it? The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France were among the 12 nations that established NATO in 1949. The goal of this bloc was to protect one another from the former Soviet Union. It was the first military alliance between the United States and a non-Western country. Map showing the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pic.twitter.com/tU2T6klTe4 — AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 10, 2022 × The core idea of collective defence as outlined in Article 5 binds group members, who have increased from 12 at the start to 30 at the most recent count. It still serves as a distinctive and enduring tenet that unites its members, committing them to defend one another and fostering a feeling of unity within the Alliance. At present, NATO has 30 members. They are made up of 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: From neutral to NATO, what does Finland's entry mean for the military alliance?

Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The air force commanders had first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in Sweden in November last year.&nbsp;

“The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology,” Denmark's air force said in a statement.&nbsp;

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Major General Jan Dam, the commander of the Danish air force, said that the move to integrate the air forces of the Nordic countries was triggered by Russia's offensive in Ukraine in February last year. Major General Dam added that the combined fleet could be compared to a large European country.&nbsp;

Reuters reported on Friday that Sweden has over 90 Gripens jets; Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets with 15 more of the latter on order, and Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order. Denmark, meanwhile, has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order.&nbsp;

However, it was unclear how many of these aircraft were operational.&nbsp;

The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO's Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the US Air Force in the region, the news agency reported.&nbsp;

Norway and Denmark are already members of NATO. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO last year and Finland is expected to join the inter-governmental military alliance within weeks. Sweden, on the other hand, is facing a delay due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia.

Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark said on Friday (March 25) that they signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The air force commanders had first discussed the closer cooperation at a meeting in Sweden in November last year. “The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology,” Denmark's air force said in a statement. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Major General Jan Dam, the commander of the Danish air force, said that the move to integrate the air forces of the Nordic countries was triggered by Russia's offensive in Ukraine in February last year. Major General Dam added that the combined fleet could be compared to a large European country. Reuters reported on Friday that Sweden has over 90 Gripens jets; Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets with 15 more of the latter on order, and Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order. Denmark, meanwhile, has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order. However, it was unclear how many of these aircraft were operational. The signing at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week was attended by NATO's Air Command chief General James Hecker, who also oversees the US Air Force in the region, the news agency reported. Norway and Denmark are already members of NATO. Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO last year and Finland is expected to join the inter-governmental military alliance within weeks. Sweden, on the other hand, is facing a delay due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nordic nations plan joint air defence to counter rising threat from Russia

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday became the second oldest player to feature in a European championship qualifier but his landmark night ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium.

Ibrahimovic came on as a 73rd-minute substitute in the Euro 2024 group game in Solna.

The Swedish star, born on October 3, 1981, was initially hailed as the oldest man to take part in a European qualifier.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2024-qualifier-kylian-mbappe-kick-stats-captaincy-reign-as-france-take-on-wc-qfs-netherlands-575374">Euro 2024 qualifier: Kylian Mbappe kick starts captaincy reign as France take on WC QFs Netherlands</a>

However, it then emerged that Gibraltar striker Lee Casciaro, born on September 29, 1981, had taken the record in his team's match on Friday against Greece.

At 41 years, five months and 21 days, Ibrahimovic is still ahead of former Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who played against Sweden on May 29, 1983, at 41 years, three months and one day.&nbsp;

AC Milan's Ibrahimovic last weekend became the oldest player to score a goal in Serie A history.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, he insisted he wants to play at the Euro finals in Germany next year when he will be 42 and the oldest player to ever participate in the tournament.

However, he faces a tough battle to satisfy that ambition Romelu Lukaku bagged a hat-trick to give new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco a winning start after succeeding Roberto Martinez.

"Those are three very important points. Taking three points and scoring three goals in Sweden is never easy for any team," said Tedesco.

"Winning is always the best thing to unite a group. As for my selection choices -- the boys have shown that I wasn't wrong."

Inter Milan striker Lukaku opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, glancing Dodi Lukebakio's cross into the far corner.&nbsp;

Lukebakio also created Lukaku's second of the night.

Substitute Johan Bakayoko turned provider for Lukaku's third with seven minutes remaining as Belgium recorded a 15th successive European qualifying win.

"There were three 19-year-olds out there today. Others in their early 20s," said Bakayoko, himself just 19.

"Stars were talking and laughing with everyone. A new generation is coming."

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday became the second oldest player to feature in a European championship qualifier but his landmark night ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 41-year-old Swedish striker, on Friday became the second oldest player to feature in a European championship qualifier but his landmark night ended in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Belgium. Ibrahimovic came on as a 73rd-minute substitute in the Euro 2024 group game in Solna. The Swedish star, born on October 3, 1981, was initially hailed as the oldest man to take part in a European qualifier. Also Read: Euro 2024 qualifier: Kylian Mbappe kick starts captaincy reign as France take on WC QFs Netherlands However, it then emerged that Gibraltar striker Lee Casciaro, born on September 29, 1981, had taken the record in his team's match on Friday against Greece. At 41 years, five months and 21 days, Ibrahimovic is still ahead of former Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who played against Sweden on May 29, 1983, at 41 years, three months and one day. AC Milan's Ibrahimovic last weekend became the oldest player to score a goal in Serie A history. Earlier this week, he insisted he wants to play at the Euro finals in Germany next year when he will be 42 and the oldest player to ever participate in the tournament. However, he faces a tough battle to satisfy that ambition Romelu Lukaku bagged a hat-trick to give new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco a winning start after succeeding Roberto Martinez. "Those are three very important points. Taking three points and scoring three goals in Sweden is never easy for any team," said Tedesco. "Winning is always the best thing to unite a group. As for my selection choices -- the boys have shown that I wasn't wrong." Inter Milan striker Lukaku opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, glancing Dodi Lukebakio's cross into the far corner. Lukebakio also created Lukaku's second of the night. Substitute Johan Bakayoko turned provider for Lukaku's third with seven minutes remaining as Belgium recorded a 15th successive European qualifying win. "There were three 19-year-olds out there today. Others in their early 20s," said Bakayoko, himself just 19. "Stars were talking and laughing with everyone. A new generation is coming." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Euro 2024 Qualifier: Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic pipped by Gibraltar's Lee Casciaro as oldest player

Sweden's Foreign Minister said that Turkiye not approving its bid to join NATO, is something Sweden did not want but was prepared for. On Friday, Turkiye decided to ratify Finland's application but not Sweden's. Sweden says it is only a matter of time before the membership bid is accepted.

Turkiye contemplates NATO membership for Sweden, approves Finland

Sweden on Sunday condemned the death sentence confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court against a Swedish-Iranian dissident and said it was seeking further clarity on the matter, reported AFP news agency.&nbsp;

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom wrote to AFP in an email that the death sentence is an "inhumane" punishment and the nation along with the European Union condemn the action taken by the judiciary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The death sentence is an inhumane and irreversible punishment and Sweden, together with the rest of the EU, condemn its use in all circumstances," Billstrom wrote.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-oil-giant-aramco-reports-record-profit-of-1611-billion-in-2022-571141">Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022</a>

Iran's Supreme Court on Sunday upheld the Iranian-Swedish dissident Habib Farajollah Chaab's death sentence for alleged terrorist activities. The court also hinted that he would be executed soon.

Chaab was found guilty of heading an Arab separatist group that was suspected of carrying out assaults as the one on a military parade in 2018 that left 25 people dead and close to 250 injured. Without disclosing his location or method of capture, Iran claimed in 2020 that its security forces had detained Chaab in Turkey and brought him to Tehran.

Iran’s judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported, “Chaab was sentenced to death after several court sessions with the presence of his lawyer... The Supreme Court confirmed his death sentence."

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-us-in-june-engagement-with-india-to-counter-china-571114">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China</a>

The incidents of Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish scholar detained in Tehran on espionage allegations, and Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian official imprisoned in Sweden on suspicion of violating human rights, have contributed to the deterioration of ties between Sweden and Iran in recent years.

A court in Ahvaz executed six other individuals who were said to be part of the group last week. The individuals were sentenced on charges&nbsp;of executing separate "terrorist" activities between 2017 and 2019.&nbsp;

It included the killing of&nbsp;two members of the Basij paramilitary organisation in Abadan and a law enforcement member and a military conscript in Khuzestan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sweden on Sunday condemned the death sentence confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court against a Swedish-Iranian dissident and said it was seeking further clarity on the matter, reported AFP news agency.

Sweden on Sunday condemned the death sentence confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court against a Swedish-Iranian dissident and said it was seeking further clarity on the matter, reported AFP news agency. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom wrote to AFP in an email that the death sentence is an "inhumane" punishment and the nation along with the European Union condemn the action taken by the judiciary. "The death sentence is an inhumane and irreversible punishment and Sweden, together with the rest of the EU, condemn its use in all circumstances," Billstrom wrote. Also Read | Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022 Iran's Supreme Court on Sunday upheld the Iranian-Swedish dissident Habib Farajollah Chaab's death sentence for alleged terrorist activities. The court also hinted that he would be executed soon. Chaab was found guilty of heading an Arab separatist group that was suspected of carrying out assaults as the one on a military parade in 2018 that left 25 people dead and close to 250 injured. Without disclosing his location or method of capture, Iran claimed in 2020 that its security forces had detained Chaab in Turkey and brought him to Tehran. Iran’s judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported, “Chaab was sentenced to death after several court sessions with the presence of his lawyer... The Supreme Court confirmed his death sentence." WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China The incidents of Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish scholar detained in Tehran on espionage allegations, and Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian official imprisoned in Sweden on suspicion of violating human rights, have contributed to the deterioration of ties between Sweden and Iran in recent years. A court in Ahvaz executed six other individuals who were said to be part of the group last week. The individuals were sentenced on charges of executing separate "terrorist" activities between 2017 and 2019. It included the killing of two members of the Basij paramilitary organisation in Abadan and a law enforcement member and a military conscript in Khuzestan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Inhumane': Sweden condemns Iran for upholding death sentence of Swedish-Iranian dissident

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months, may fall into Russian hands in the coming days.&nbsp;

“What we see is that Russia is throwing more troops, more forces and what Russia lacks in quality they try to make up in quantity," Stoltenberg said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

“They have suffered big losses, but at the same time, we cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-since-taking-charge-australia-pm-albanese-arrives-in-india-569957">In a first since taking charge, Australia PM Albanese arrives in India</a>

The head of the trans-Atlantic alliance urged the member countries to continue lending support to Ukraine. “It just highlights that we should not underestimate Russia. We must continue to provide support to Ukraine,” he said.

Stoltenberg on Wednesday said Sweden and Finland's blocked bids for membership in the Western military alliance have made progress. His remarks came ahead of the meeting with officials from Sweden, Finland, and Turkey at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aurat-march-baton-charged-as-demonstrations-mark-womens-day-across-world-569967">Pakistan Aurat March baton charged as demonstrations mark women's day across world</a>

“I don't expect the process to be concluded tomorrow. But I'm confident that Finland, Sweden will become NATO's allies,” Stoltenberg told media personnel in Stockholm.

Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, the head of foreign affairs for the European Union, said on Wednesday that he had urged the grouping to&nbsp;spend €1 billion to replenish their own stocks as well as to&nbsp;buy ammunition jointly for Ukraine. “I propose to mobilise another €1bn,” Reuters reported he told the media after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Stockholm.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-chief-warns-gender-equality-will-take-300-years-to-achieve-569947">UN Chief warns gender equality will take 300 years to achieve</a>

Borrell also discussed the investigations into the explosions of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, stating that no conclusions could be made while the inquiries were still underway. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months, may fall into Russian hands in the coming days.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that Bakhmut, the city in eastern Ukraine that has witnessed fierce fighting in recent months, may fall into Russian hands in the coming days. “What we see is that Russia is throwing more troops, more forces and what Russia lacks in quality they try to make up in quantity," Stoltenberg said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. “They have suffered big losses, but at the same time, we cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days.” Also Read | In a first since taking charge, Australia PM Albanese arrives in India The head of the trans-Atlantic alliance urged the member countries to continue lending support to Ukraine. “It just highlights that we should not underestimate Russia. We must continue to provide support to Ukraine,” he said. Stoltenberg on Wednesday said Sweden and Finland's blocked bids for membership in the Western military alliance have made progress. His remarks came ahead of the meeting with officials from Sweden, Finland, and Turkey at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Also Read | Pakistan Aurat March baton charged as demonstrations mark women's day across world “I don't expect the process to be concluded tomorrow. But I'm confident that Finland, Sweden will become NATO's allies,” Stoltenberg told media personnel in Stockholm. Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, the head of foreign affairs for the European Union, said on Wednesday that he had urged the grouping to spend €1 billion to replenish their own stocks as well as to buy ammunition jointly for Ukraine. “I propose to mobilise another €1bn,” Reuters reported he told the media after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Stockholm. Watch | UN Chief warns gender equality will take 300 years to achieve Borrell also discussed the investigations into the explosions of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, stating that no conclusions could be made while the inquiries were still underway. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bakhmut may fall within days, must not underestimate Russia: NATO chief

In pics | Archaeologists find over 500-year-old ‘unique’ cache of well-preserved spices

A Swedish Parliament spokesperson said on Thursday (March 2) that a delegation of Hungarian lawmakers plans to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss the Nordic country's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking to the news agency Reuters, the spokesperson said the delegation led by Hungary's Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Csaba Hende will meet with Swedish Speaker Andreas Nolen.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Finland said it also expected a visit from a Hungarian delegation.&nbsp;

The two Nordic countries applied to join the intergovernmental military alliance last year due to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Hungary and Turkey are the only NATO members who do not yet have ratified the bids.

Sweden has been facing objections from Turkey (to join NATO), which accused Stockholm of harbouring members of Kurdish terrorist groups. While Turkey indicated that it could approve Finland's application, it gave no assurances that it would greenlight Sweden's bid. The United States and others hope that the two Nordic countries will be a part of NATO at a summit in Lithuania in July.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Hungarian lawmakers started debating NATO bids for Sweden and Finland with voting to take place from March 20, after it was initially scheduled for March 6-9. Opposition MP Agnes Vadai called the ruling party Fidesz's internal debate a mere tactic to delay the ratification, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Also on Wednesday, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said that his country joining NATO along with Finland was a major unexpected consequence for Russia.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Estonia, Jonson said, "If Moscow had one strategic goal with my country and with Finland, I think it was to keep us outside of NATO. Three months after this war started, Sweden and Finland&nbsp;applied hand-in-hand for NATO membership. That is the mother of all unintended consequences for Russian geostrategic thinking, believe me,"&nbsp;Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Swedish Parliament spokesperson said on Thursday (March 2) that a delegation of Hungarian lawmakers plans to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss the Nordic country's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

A Swedish Parliament spokesperson said on Thursday (March 2) that a delegation of Hungarian lawmakers plans to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss the Nordic country's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking to the news agency Reuters, the spokesperson said the delegation led by Hungary's Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Csaba Hende will meet with Swedish Speaker Andreas Nolen. Earlier this week, Finland said it also expected a visit from a Hungarian delegation. The two Nordic countries applied to join the intergovernmental military alliance last year due to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Hungary and Turkey are the only NATO members who do not yet have ratified the bids. Sweden has been facing objections from Turkey (to join NATO), which accused Stockholm of harbouring members of Kurdish terrorist groups. While Turkey indicated that it could approve Finland's application, it gave no assurances that it would greenlight Sweden's bid. The United States and others hope that the two Nordic countries will be a part of NATO at a summit in Lithuania in July. On Wednesday, Hungarian lawmakers started debating NATO bids for Sweden and Finland with voting to take place from March 20, after it was initially scheduled for March 6-9. Opposition MP Agnes Vadai called the ruling party Fidesz's internal debate a mere tactic to delay the ratification, the news agency AFP reported. Also on Wednesday, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said that his country joining NATO along with Finland was a major unexpected consequence for Russia. Speaking to reporters in Estonia, Jonson said, "If Moscow had one strategic goal with my country and with Finland, I think it was to keep us outside of NATO. Three months after this war started, Sweden and Finland applied hand-in-hand for NATO membership. That is the mother of all unintended consequences for Russian geostrategic thinking, believe me," Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hungarian MPs plan to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss NATO bid: Stockholm

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine.

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine. The report comes in the backdrop of Europol - the EU's law enforcement agency, issuing a warning in July last year. The agency stated that ”the proliferation of firearms and explosives in Ukraine could lead to an increase in weapons and munitions trafficked into the EU via established smuggling routes or online platforms." Sweden may not be the only Nordic country in the region to have gained access to Ukrainian weapons. Last year in October, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that weapons sent to Ukraine may have found their way back to Finland. Incidentally, both countries are currently vying for a spot in NATO, ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more: Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by an ‘irate’ Turkey Similarly, Ukraine-bound weapons have surfaced in the Sahel region of Africa and nations around the Chad basin. Why has Sweden become the destination for Ukrainian weapons? Lately, gun-related violence has increased manifold in Sweden. According to the Swedish national council for crime prevention, it is the only European country where fatal gun shooting incidents have increased since 2000. The jump from being the country with the lowest rates of gun violence to the highest within a couple of decades has surprised experts. Former prime minister Magdalena Andersson attributed the rise in gun violence to the influx of immigrants who were not properly assimilated into the mainstream. WATCH | WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war × "Sweden has failed to integrate the vast numbers of immigrants it has taken in over the past two decades, leading to parallel societies and gang violence," said Andersson, before adding, "Society has been too weak, resources for the police and social services have been too weak." Last year's Quran burnings and subsequent riots resulted in some of the most ugly pictures to have come out of Sweden in recent years. Experts are of the view that the illicit trade of contraband arms and ammunition from Ukraine could further the divide in the country. Read more: LIVE Russia-Ukraine war | Moscow accuses US of preparing a 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Are Swedish gangs receiving weapons destined for Ukraine?

Finland took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO as the country’s parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join the military alliance.

Finland lawmakers will debate a bill in this regard on Tuesday, when NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will meet with Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto.

A vote on the bill will then take place on Wednesday, and is expected to sail through without much opposition, as the initial membership bid in May was backed by 188 of the 200 members in parliament.

Once the bill is approved by the parliament, it will be sent to the president, whose signature is required to formalise the bidding process.

After the president has signed the law, Finland will submit the instruments of accession to Washington.

Many MPs have been looking to push through the legislation for the NATO membership bid expeditiously before Finland goes into polls on April 2.

<h2>Finland's NATO membership: Turkiye likely to approve the country's application</h2>

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Finland and Sweden both applied to join the transatlantic defence alliance last year in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And NATO membership requires the support of all 30 members.

Though Finland received the backing of all the members, Sweden faced objections from Turkey over recent back-to-back protests in Stockholm.

While the first protest was led by a Kurdish group, where an effigy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was shown hanging from its feet in Stockholm. Another protest was organised by far-right politician Rasmus Paludan, who burnt a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy.

Erdogan had said that Turkey won’t support Sweden’s ascension bid to NATO, and demanded that they extradite dozens of suspects, which it considers “terrorists", including the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Finland, on the other hand, was viewed favourably by Turkey, with its Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday saying, "We may separate Sweden and Finland's membership process.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Finland took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO as the country’s parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join the military alliance.

Finland took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO as the country’s parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join the military alliance. Finland lawmakers will debate a bill in this regard on Tuesday, when NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will meet with Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto. A vote on the bill will then take place on Wednesday, and is expected to sail through without much opposition, as the initial membership bid in May was backed by 188 of the 200 members in parliament. Once the bill is approved by the parliament, it will be sent to the president, whose signature is required to formalise the bidding process. After the president has signed the law, Finland will submit the instruments of accession to Washington. Many MPs have been looking to push through the legislation for the NATO membership bid expeditiously before Finland goes into polls on April 2. Finland's NATO membership: Turkiye likely to approve the country's application Finland and Sweden both applied to join the transatlantic defence alliance last year in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And NATO membership requires the support of all 30 members. Though Finland received the backing of all the members, Sweden faced objections from Turkey over recent back-to-back protests in Stockholm. While the first protest was led by a Kurdish group, where an effigy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was shown hanging from its feet in Stockholm. Another protest was organised by far-right politician Rasmus Paludan, who burnt a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish embassy. Erdogan had said that Turkey won’t support Sweden’s ascension bid to NATO, and demanded that they extradite dozens of suspects, which it considers “terrorists", including the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Finland, on the other hand, was viewed favourably by Turkey, with its Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday saying, "We may separate Sweden and Finland's membership process.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by Turkey

Armand&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;of Sweden set a new world pole vault record of 6.22 metres at an indoor meeting in France on Saturday, describing it as "almost an out-of-body experience". Olympic champion&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;improved his own record of 6.21m that he set in winning the world title outdoors in Oregon last year.

Competing at the All-Star Perche meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, central France organised by 2012 Olympic pole vault champion Renaud Lavillenie,&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;cleared the new record at his third attempt to the delight of the 4,000-strong crowd.&nbsp;

Duplantis, 23, said: "When you have moments like this, when the energy is so high, and you're going down there for the record, it feels like levitating, it feels like my body never even touched the ground the whole jump.

"There's something about it that just feels overwhelming right now, and I really think it's because Renaud means so much to me, he's meant so much to me since I first started, he's been my biggest inspiration, biggest idol.

"He really motivated me, made me believe that I could break the world record. So for me to break the world record here, his hometown, his competition that he hosts…"

US-born&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;entered the competition at 5.71 metre, clearing that height at his first attempt.&nbsp;

He passed at 5.81 metre and managed 5.91 metre on his second try before winning the competition by clearing 6.01 metre on his first attempt before having the bar raised to the record height.

It was the sixth time that&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;has broken the world record.

He set the first in Torun in February 2020, when he cleared 6.17m to add a centimetre to Lavillenie's previous world record of 6.16m that had stood since 2014.

"Each world record feels like it brings something a bit different out of me,"&nbsp;Duplantis&nbsp;said. "Maybe the first one might have been a bit crazier, but this might be number two right now, it's really unbelievable."

He said re-writing the record books no longer left him with any nerves.

"The pressure doesn't really feel the same anymore to me. I've proved a lot the past few years, the past two years especially, and I know what kind of jumper I am, what I am capable of.

"I know that I am deserving to be in the spot that I am."

Duplantis&nbsp;is giving the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul next month a miss so will focus on the outdoor season and winning back-to-back world outdoor titles in Budapest in August. 
 
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Armand Duplantis of Sweden set a new world pole vault record of 6.22 metres at an indoor meeting in France on Saturday, describing it as "almost an out-of-body experience".

Armand Duplantis of Sweden set a new world pole vault record of 6.22 metres at an indoor meeting in France on Saturday, describing it as "almost an out-of-body experience". Olympic champion Duplantis improved his own record of 6.21m that he set in winning the world title outdoors in Oregon last year. Competing at the All-Star Perche meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, central France organised by 2012 Olympic pole vault champion Renaud Lavillenie, Duplantis cleared the new record at his third attempt to the delight of the 4,000-strong crowd. Duplantis, 23, said: "When you have moments like this, when the energy is so high, and you're going down there for the record, it feels like levitating, it feels like my body never even touched the ground the whole jump. "There's something about it that just feels overwhelming right now, and I really think it's because Renaud means so much to me, he's meant so much to me since I first started, he's been my biggest inspiration, biggest idol. "He really motivated me, made me believe that I could break the world record. So for me to break the world record here, his hometown, his competition that he hosts…" US-born Duplantis entered the competition at 5.71 metre, clearing that height at his first attempt. He passed at 5.81 metre and managed 5.91 metre on his second try before winning the competition by clearing 6.01 metre on his first attempt before having the bar raised to the record height. It was the sixth time that Duplantis has broken the world record. He set the first in Torun in February 2020, when he cleared 6.17m to add a centimetre to Lavillenie's previous world record of 6.16m that had stood since 2014. "Each world record feels like it brings something a bit different out of me," Duplantis said. "Maybe the first one might have been a bit crazier, but this might be number two right now, it's really unbelievable." He said re-writing the record books no longer left him with any nerves. "The pressure doesn't really feel the same anymore to me. I've proved a lot the past few years, the past two years especially, and I know what kind of jumper I am, what I am capable of. "I know that I am deserving to be in the spot that I am." Duplantis is giving the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul next month a miss so will focus on the outdoor season and winning back-to-back world outdoor titles in Budapest in August. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sweden's Armand Duplantis does it again, sets new world record in pole vault

Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson is set to lay off 8,500 employees in a cost-cutting effort and according to the reports, most of the layoffs would be done in the first half of 2023 and as early as the rest of 2024.

Swedish company Ericsson to lay off 8,500 workers globally; to be implemented in first half of 2023

Part of a broader plan to reduce costs globally, Swedish Telecom gear makers - Ericsson plans to get about 1,400 jobs in Sweden alone. The move is a part of companies' earlier announced plan to get cost by $880 million by the end of this year.

Major global tech firms going for job cuts: Ericsson to cut 1,400 jobs

For the first time ever, Swedish Defence firm SAAB will set up a weapons factory outside their home country and the factory will be in India. Watch this report to know more insights.

Aero India 2023: Swedish firm SAAB to set up factory in India

It is election season in Turkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leaving no stone unturned to guarantee his 3rd decade in office. While the cost of living crisis tops the voter concerns, he is counting on foreign policy to sweep this poll. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report on this week's The West Asia Post only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Sweden's NATO entry: A poll issue in Turkiye

In northern Sweden, some 125 miles (200 km) above the Arctic Circle, a town named Kiruna is witnessing subsidence due to the world’s biggest iron ore mine. Among several buildings, the city of 18,000 people is also home to a culturally significant, 600-tonne wooden, cosy terracotta-coloured church, designed to resemble a hut of the indigenous Sami people. The fate of these structures and homes is intertwined with the state-run company LKAB which is the largest iron ore mine in the world and produces 80 per cent of the European Union’s supply, said a report by the Guardian.

What will happen to the town?

In the upcoming years, Kiruna is about to witness one of the world’s most radical relocation projects as the local iron ore mine is threatening to swallow the town, as per the Guardian, after cracks emerged in hospitals and school buildings. At least 6,000 are set to move from the sinking town and will also face a gradual rise in their rent, over eight years to a cap of 25 per cent higher than the old rate.&nbsp;

Kiruna church

In 1912, the town became home to the 600-tonne wooden building with no religious symbol which was once described by the vicar, Lena Tjärnberg, as “the living room of the community”. In the next three years, after more than a century, the most beautiful old building in Sweden will be moved. According to the report, the terracotta-coloured church, designed to resemble a hut of the indigenous Sami people, will be relocated some three km east of the old town to near the local graveyard.&nbsp;

The LKAB

Founded in 1900 the mine in question is run by the Swedish state-owned company LKAB which is also the largest iron ore mine in the world. However, moving forward the company hopes to be at the forefront of Europe’s green industrial revolution and drive autonomy for natural resources, as per the Guardian. In 2021, the company also began producing fossil-free sponge iron which was done by replacing coal with hydrogen produced from green electricity.&nbsp;

Last month, the company also announced that it was sitting on the largest known deposit of rare earth elements in Europe, some of which are important for producing electric car batteries and wind turbines. Subsequently, the Swedish Deputy Prime Minister as well as the one in charge of climate and business, Ebba Busch said, “Sweden is literally a goldmine…Europe needs to learn the lesson, to not be so highly dependent on one single country for gas in the way we were (on) Russia.”&nbsp;

Speaking to the reporters from inside the mine, Busch at the time had said that this discovery of rare earth metals also gives Europe a chance to be less dependent on China which is the source of 86 per cent of the global supply, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

How will it affect the local community?

The kind of transformation Kiruna is going through has raised alarms among many as the entire town is going to be relocated due to the mining activity in the region and the risk it poses to the town’s residents including the Sami people. Centuries before the LKAB began their mining operations in the region, the Sami people would herd reindeer throughout the Arctic lands, however, reports suggest that their way of life is under threat.&nbsp;

In addition, the mining and human activities which have consequently led to the fragmentation of the land make reindeer herding ever more difficult while the climate crisis was already threatening the main winter food source for reindeer which is lichen. The Sami people also fear that any disruptions to such an “ancient activity” would compromise their rights to the land, reported the Guardian.

An LKAB spokesperson, Anders Lindberg, said that two Sami villages have already changed their herding routes since the mine opened while the company has become better at listening to the herders’ issues and is working on minimising the impact of their work. However, according to the report, another Sami village named Gabna might have to change their herding routes since the discovery of the new rare earth elements.&nbsp; 
 
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In northern Sweden, some 125 miles (200 km) above the Arctic Circle, a town named Kiruna is witnessing subsidence due to the world’s biggest iron ore mine. Among several buildings, the city of 18,000 people is also home to a culturally significant, 600-tonne wooden, cosy terracotta-coloured church, designed to resemble a hut of the indigenous Sami people.

In northern Sweden, some 125 miles (200 km) above the Arctic Circle, a town named Kiruna is witnessing subsidence due to the world’s biggest iron ore mine. Among several buildings, the city of 18,000 people is also home to a culturally significant, 600-tonne wooden, cosy terracotta-coloured church, designed to resemble a hut of the indigenous Sami people. The fate of these structures and homes is intertwined with the state-run company LKAB which is the largest iron ore mine in the world and produces 80 per cent of the European Union’s supply, said a report by the Guardian. What will happen to the town? In the upcoming years, Kiruna is about to witness one of the world’s most radical relocation projects as the local iron ore mine is threatening to swallow the town, as per the Guardian, after cracks emerged in hospitals and school buildings. At least 6,000 are set to move from the sinking town and will also face a gradual rise in their rent, over eight years to a cap of 25 per cent higher than the old rate. Kiruna church In 1912, the town became home to the 600-tonne wooden building with no religious symbol which was once described by the vicar, Lena Tjärnberg, as “the living room of the community”. In the next three years, after more than a century, the most beautiful old building in Sweden will be moved. According to the report, the terracotta-coloured church, designed to resemble a hut of the indigenous Sami people, will be relocated some three km east of the old town to near the local graveyard. The LKAB Founded in 1900 the mine in question is run by the Swedish state-owned company LKAB which is also the largest iron ore mine in the world. However, moving forward the company hopes to be at the forefront of Europe’s green industrial revolution and drive autonomy for natural resources, as per the Guardian. In 2021, the company also began producing fossil-free sponge iron which was done by replacing coal with hydrogen produced from green electricity. Last month, the company also announced that it was sitting on the largest known deposit of rare earth elements in Europe, some of which are important for producing electric car batteries and wind turbines. Subsequently, the Swedish Deputy Prime Minister as well as the one in charge of climate and business, Ebba Busch said, “Sweden is literally a goldmine…Europe needs to learn the lesson, to not be so highly dependent on one single country for gas in the way we were (on) Russia.” Speaking to the reporters from inside the mine, Busch at the time had said that this discovery of rare earth metals also gives Europe a chance to be less dependent on China which is the source of 86 per cent of the global supply, reported the Guardian. How will it affect the local community? The kind of transformation Kiruna is going through has raised alarms among many as the entire town is going to be relocated due to the mining activity in the region and the risk it poses to the town’s residents including the Sami people. Centuries before the LKAB began their mining operations in the region, the Sami people would herd reindeer throughout the Arctic lands, however, reports suggest that their way of life is under threat. In addition, the mining and human activities which have consequently led to the fragmentation of the land make reindeer herding ever more difficult while the climate crisis was already threatening the main winter food source for reindeer which is lichen. The Sami people also fear that any disruptions to such an “ancient activity” would compromise their rights to the land, reported the Guardian. An LKAB spokesperson, Anders Lindberg, said that two Sami villages have already changed their herding routes since the mine opened while the company has become better at listening to the herders’ issues and is working on minimising the impact of their work. However, according to the report, another Sami village named Gabna might have to change their herding routes since the discovery of the new rare earth elements. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why this town in Sweden is being moved one building at a time

Sweden's NATO membership bid, which a couple of months ago seemed slightly possible has now gone completely haywire.&nbsp;Condemning Sweden's refusal to extradite people allegedly tied to Kurdish militant groups, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that Ankara may agree to Finland joining Nato, but will not agree to Sweden's membership of the bloc. "If you absolutely want to join Nato, you will return these terrorists to us," said Erdogan in his bold remarks.

This poses another major roadblock for Sweden as Türkiye holds the power to influence NATO's decisions and without its nod, Stockholm's bid will continue to remain in a stalemate.&nbsp;

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During his speech, Erdogan said Türkiye might now "give a different response concerning Finland," but added that "Sweden will be shocked". Nordic countries, Sweden and Finland, applied for NATO membership last year as Russia rolled its tanks inside Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;

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Türkiye&nbsp;has demanded from Sweden and it seems like without these demands being met, common ground is hard to come by. "We gave Sweden a list of 120 persons and told them to extradite those terrorists in their country," said Erdogan. "If you don't extradite them, then sorry about that."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-nadhim-zahawi-sacked-as-conservative-party-chief-557134">UK: Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Conservative party chief</a>

Though Finland also has Kurds, Sweden's Kurdish diaspora is larger. This is playing a significant factor in Nato membership talks which Türkiye has put in a deadlock presently.&nbsp;Things only got worse with the latest Turkish protests after Rasmus Paludan, a politician from the Danish far-right Stram Kurs party, burnt a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

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Sweden's NATO membership bid, which a couple of months ago seemed slightly possible has now gone completely haywire. Condemning Sweden's refusal to extradite people allegedly tied to Kurdish militant groups, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that Ankara may agree to Finland joining Nato, but will not agree to Sweden's membership of the bloc.

Sweden's NATO membership bid, which a couple of months ago seemed slightly possible has now gone completely haywire. Condemning Sweden's refusal to extradite people allegedly tied to Kurdish militant groups, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that Ankara may agree to Finland joining Nato, but will not agree to Sweden's membership of the bloc. "If you absolutely want to join Nato, you will return these terrorists to us," said Erdogan in his bold remarks. This poses another major roadblock for Sweden as Türkiye holds the power to influence NATO's decisions and without its nod, Stockholm's bid will continue to remain in a stalemate. Also Read | 'With a missile, it would only take a minute' Boris Johnson reveals he got threats from Putin During his speech, Erdogan said Türkiye might now "give a different response concerning Finland," but added that "Sweden will be shocked". Nordic countries, Sweden and Finland, applied for NATO membership last year as Russia rolled its tanks inside Ukrainian territory. Also Read | Pakistan bypolls for 33 vacant National Assembly seats in March, Imran to contest on all Türkiye has demanded from Sweden and it seems like without these demands being met, common ground is hard to come by. "We gave Sweden a list of 120 persons and told them to extradite those terrorists in their country," said Erdogan. "If you don't extradite them, then sorry about that." Watch | UK: Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Conservative party chief Though Finland also has Kurds, Sweden's Kurdish diaspora is larger. This is playing a significant factor in Nato membership talks which Türkiye has put in a deadlock presently. Things only got worse with the latest Turkish protests after Rasmus Paludan, a politician from the Danish far-right Stram Kurs party, burnt a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Türkiye sways towards Finland in its NATO membership bid, but says 'Sweden will be shocked'

Turkiye strongly condemned&nbsp;the burning of Quran&nbsp;and summoned the Danish ambassador to the Turkish Foreign Ministry as it accused Denmark of endorsing a “hate crime” after Rasmus Paludan, a right-wing activist burned copies of the Muslim holy book on Friday (January 27). 
This comes after a week the leader of the Danish right-wing political party Stram Kurs or Hard Line who also holds citizenship of Sweden, staged a Quran-burning protest in Sweden.&nbsp;

As per media reports, Paludan, on Friday, burned copies of the Quran near a Copenhagen mosque and outside the Turkish embassy in Denmark. He did something similar on January 21 outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, Sweden which drew widespread condemnation and triggered counter-protests in Turkiye. Additionally, he vowed to do so every Friday until Sweden is admitted into NATO which requires Ankara’s approval.

Turkiye has previously blocked Sweden and neighbouring Finland’s bid to join the military alliance that the two countries have sought following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the membership requires approval from all NATO members, including Ankara, which has indicated that it would block Sweden’s bid partially after Paludan’s stunt in Stockholm last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-pm-kristersson-calls-burning-of-koran-deeply-disrespectful-554906">Swedish PM Kristersson calls burning of Koran ‘deeply disrespectful’</a>

The protests in Sweden also led to counter-protests in Istanbul where at least 200 people gathered outside the Swedish consulate in the city and burned Sweden’s flag in response to Paludan’s burning of the Quran.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called the Danish politician an “Islamophobic charlatan” and said, “Showing tolerance towards such heinous acts that offend the sensitivities of millions of people living in Europe threatens the practice of peaceful coexistence and provokes racist, xenophobic and anti-Muslim attacks,”&nbsp;reported Al Jazeera. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiye-cancels-swedish-defence-minister-visit-over-planned-protest-554716">Turkiye cancels Swedish defence minister’s visit over protest planned by right-wing leader</a>

Additionally, according to Ankara’s state-run Anadolu Agency, the Danish ambassador was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry where officials “strongly condemned the permission given for this provocative act which clearly constitutes a hate crime”. The media report also said that the ambassador was also told that “Denmark’s attitude is unacceptable”, as Turkiye expected the permission to be revoked.&nbsp;

According to a report by the&nbsp;Associated Press,&nbsp;Paludan was seen with a protective helmet and surrounded by riot police during the recent protest&nbsp;in Copenhagen which he live-streamed on Facebook and said, “This mosque has no place in Denmark”. Subsequently, Paludan was driven away in a police car.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-escalate-between-turkiye-sweden-far-right-politician-burns-quran-in-stockholm-554809">Tensions escalate between Turkiye, Sweden; far-right politician burns Quran in Stockholm</a>

Later, he said, “Once he (President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan) has let Sweden into NATO, I promise that I will not burn the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy. Otherwise, I will do so every Friday at 2 pm,”&nbsp;reported the AP. Aside from the recent incidents, Ankara has also blocked Finland and Sweden’s bid to join NATO demanding a crackdown on Kurdish armed groups and others that it considers “terrorists”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkiye strongly condemned the burning of Quran and summoned the Danish ambassador to the Turkish Foreign Ministry as it accused Denmark of endorsing a “hate crime” after Rasmus Paludan, a right-wing activist burned copies of the Muslim holy book on Friday (January 27).

Turkiye strongly condemned the burning of Quran and summoned the Danish ambassador to the Turkish Foreign Ministry as it accused Denmark of endorsing a “hate crime” after Rasmus Paludan, a right-wing activist burned copies of the Muslim holy book on Friday (January 27). This comes after a week the leader of the Danish right-wing political party Stram Kurs or Hard Line who also holds citizenship of Sweden, staged a Quran-burning protest in Sweden. As per media reports, Paludan, on Friday, burned copies of the Quran near a Copenhagen mosque and outside the Turkish embassy in Denmark. He did something similar on January 21 outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, Sweden which drew widespread condemnation and triggered counter-protests in Turkiye. Additionally, he vowed to do so every Friday until Sweden is admitted into NATO which requires Ankara’s approval. Turkiye has previously blocked Sweden and neighbouring Finland’s bid to join the military alliance that the two countries have sought following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the membership requires approval from all NATO members, including Ankara, which has indicated that it would block Sweden’s bid partially after Paludan’s stunt in Stockholm last week. ALSO READ | Swedish PM Kristersson calls burning of Koran ‘deeply disrespectful’ The protests in Sweden also led to counter-protests in Istanbul where at least 200 people gathered outside the Swedish consulate in the city and burned Sweden’s flag in response to Paludan’s burning of the Quran. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called the Danish politician an “Islamophobic charlatan” and said, “Showing tolerance towards such heinous acts that offend the sensitivities of millions of people living in Europe threatens the practice of peaceful coexistence and provokes racist, xenophobic and anti-Muslim attacks,” reported Al Jazeera. ALSO READ | Turkiye cancels Swedish defence minister’s visit over protest planned by right-wing leader Additionally, according to Ankara’s state-run Anadolu Agency, the Danish ambassador was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry where officials “strongly condemned the permission given for this provocative act which clearly constitutes a hate crime”. The media report also said that the ambassador was also told that “Denmark’s attitude is unacceptable”, as Turkiye expected the permission to be revoked. According to a report by the Associated Press, Paludan was seen with a protective helmet and surrounded by riot police during the recent protest in Copenhagen which he live-streamed on Facebook and said, “This mosque has no place in Denmark”. Subsequently, Paludan was driven away in a police car. ALSO WATCH | Tensions escalate between Turkiye, Sweden; far-right politician burns Quran in Stockholm Later, he said, “Once he (President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan) has let Sweden into NATO, I promise that I will not burn the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy. Otherwise, I will do so every Friday at 2 pm,” reported the AP. Aside from the recent incidents, Ankara has also blocked Finland and Sweden’s bid to join NATO demanding a crackdown on Kurdish armed groups and others that it considers “terrorists”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkiye summons Danish ambassador after Quran-burning protest outside its embassy, mosque

The US has reiterated its support for Sweden and Finland's NATO entry after Stockholm's recent tensions with Ankara put the accession in apparel.

Finland, Sweden's NATO future in peril; US reiterates support for the countries to join NATO

The Biden administration reiterated its support for both Finland and Sweden joining NATO at the earliest opportunity. Turkiye's president said Sweden should not expect his country's support after a protest near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm at the weekend.

US reiterates support for Sweden, Finland joining NATO

Tensions between Turkiye and Sweden climaxed when the leader of a Danish far-right political party burned the Quran while protesting in front of Turkey’s embassy in Stockholm. Political Analyst Stephen Golub talks more on Turkiye and Sweden tensions.

Political Analyst Stephen Golub talks more on Turkiye, Sweden tensions

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