Turkey condemns Sweden protests, cancels ministers’ meeting

By KARL RITTER and ZEYNEP BILGINSOY
Associated Press

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Turkey has canceled a planned visit by Sweden’s defense minister in response to the Nordic country’s issuing of permits for anti-Turkish protests. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Saturday that the scheduled Jan. 27 visit by his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson wouldn’t take place. He said the meeting no longer held “any importance or point” because Sweden continued to allow “disgusting” demonstrations against Turkey. It is the latest backlash from Turkey. The NATO member has been holding off on approving Sweden’s application to join the military alliance until the Swedish government cracks down on groups that Ankara regards as security threats. Sweden is bracing for several demonstrations this weekend.