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Finland's parliament officially approved a proposal to join the NATO military alliance on Tuesday, marking a historic policy change in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Finland's president, Sauli Niinistö, and the cabinet officially decided on Sunday to apply for membership, but the decision was subject to parliament's approval.
Pekka Haavisto, Finland's foreign minister, said the decision was no occasion for celebration because "there is war in Europe."
On Tuesday afternoon, lawmakers voted 188 to 8 in favor of the application.
The Finnish law will be signed by the government and President Sauli Niinisto before the application will be submitted to NATO's Brussels headquarters.
"Having heard a very large number of experts and having received the opinions of 10 (parliamentary) committees, the foreign affairs committee agrees with the government that Finland should apply for membership in NATO. This decision is unanimous," chairman Jussi Halla-Aho told Reuters.
Meanwhile, Turkey's president, reaffirmed Ankara's opposition to Sweden and Finland joining NATO, saying that Turkey will not approve the bids.
Picture Credits: Reuters
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