Turkey cancels Swedish defence minister's visit

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Turkey on Saturday cancelled a planned visit by Sweden's defence minister in response to Sweden's permission for anti-Turkish protests. This is the latest reaction from NATO member Turkey, which has refrained from approving Sweden's application to join the military alliance until the Swedish government takes action against groups that consider Ankara a security threat. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said, "Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson will not have a scheduled visit on January 27. "The visit does not carry any more significance or points as Sweden has allowed hateful protests against Turkey," he said. '