Portugal backs NATO membership for Finland, Sweden

Lisbon: On September 16, Portugal's parliament ratified the entry of Finland and Sweden to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The 230-seat Portuguese parliament approved the entry of the two Nordic countries into NATO by a 219-11 vote, with only the Communists and Left Bloc voting against them. "By approving Finland and Sweden joining NATO, parliament reinforces its commitment to peace in Europe, the collective security of the Euro-Atlantic area, but also to human rights and democracy," Marcos Perestrello, a lawmaker from the ruling Socialist Party, said during the debate.