Sweden would assist the Baltic States if they were attacked – Swedish Army Chief

Posted by editor on 10/03/11 • Categorized as Foreign Policy, Neighbours, Nordic-Baltic Defence Cooperation, Nordic-Baltic cooperation, Politics, Scandinavia, Security • Print This Post •

Sweden would help the Baltic States in the face of aggression and is technically ready to take part in the NATO led air policing mission of the Baltic States, Swedish Chief of Defence General Sverker Goranson said during his visit in Vilnius. Nevertheless, there are some legal obstacles for patrolling of the Baltic skies the General said.

“Right now this is an issue that is being considered very much on a political level in Sweden. We have started discussions in the Armed Forces but nothing has yet been decided. It’s very clear where we are going, but it’s not yet been exactly defined as to what this will mean, although I think it’s important as I said – it’s the entire spectrum, it’s not only military. It could be political, diplomatic, economic or military – all powers”, General Goranson said to Baltic News Service when asked to comment on the Swedish Parliament statement in 2010 which said that “Sweden should be ready to provide and receive military assistance”, delfi.lt wrote on 30 September.

Asked if Sweden could participate in the NATO led air policing of the Baltic States the General said; “So, as I say, we could have already done it technically yesterday but defining the rules of engagement – that needs to be done and that’s what the politicians that have to decide. If they do so, we are ready to go on the mission,” the Swedish general told BNS, delfi.lt quoted.

Edited by Philippa Russell