Swedish MPs green-light controversial US defense deal

YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. Swedish lawmakers on June 18 adopted a controversial defense deal with the United States, which critics fear could lead to the deployment of nuclear weapons and permanent US bases in the country, Le Monde reports.

The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is a major step for a nation that in March ended two centuries of military non-alliance to join NATO.

Signed by Stockholm and Washington in December, the deal gives the US access to 17 military bases and training areas in Sweden, and allows the storage of weapons, military equipment and ammunition, the report continues.

The agreement was approved by a broad majority in parliament following an almost five-hour debate, with 266 MPs voting in favor and 37 against, while 46 were absent.

Unlike Norway's and Denmark's DCA agreements, there is no clause in Sweden's agreement against nuclear weapons being brought into or placed in Sweden.

The main opponents, the Left and Green parties, had argued that the agreement ought to state outright that the Scandinavian country would not allow nuclear weapons on its territory, Le Monde adds.