Sweden ratifies probable American nukes usage
Date
6/25/2024 8:26:56 AM
(MENAFN) In a significant move, Sweden’s parliament has ratified a contentious Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States, granting American troops access to 17 Swedish military installations. The agreement, signed last December between Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, received parliamentary approval following heated debates centered on its implications for nuclear policy.
On Tuesday, the Swedish legislature overwhelmingly supported the DCA, with 266 members voting in favor, 37 against, and 46 absent. The vote required a robust three-quarters supermajority with more than half of lawmakers present for the bill to pass, underscoring its contentious nature.
Criticism of the agreement primarily revolves around the absence of explicit provisions barring the deployment of United States nuclear weapons on Swedish soil. Opposition parties, including the Left and Green parties, voiced concerns during parliamentary sessions, advocating for explicit safeguards against hosting nuclear arms.
Green Party MP Emma Berginger emphasized the need for legislative measures ensuring Sweden remains free from nuclear weapons. She argued that while the DCA does facilitate defense cooperation, it fails to definitively rule out the possibility of nuclear deployments, contrasting it with neighboring countries' agreements.
The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association strongly condemned the decision, labeling it a departure from Sweden's traditional stance as a non-nuclear nation. The organization’s leader, Kerstin Bergea, highlighted disparities with Norway and Denmark, where similar agreements include explicit prohibitions against nuclear arms.
The ratification of the DCA comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns over Sweden’s neutrality and security posture. Critics argue that the agreement risks escalating regional tensions and contradicts expectations of maintaining Sweden's historic stance on nuclear disarmament.
The implications of this pact extend beyond military cooperation, touching on Sweden’s broader foreign policy and its alignment with international nuclear non-proliferation efforts. As Sweden navigates this new chapter in its defense relations with the United States, debates are likely to continue regarding the balance between security interests and longstanding commitments to nuclear disarmament.
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