YouSaid · the spoken record

Abdullah Gül

lines on the record: 114
first: 2003-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We will bring our unique attributes to bear on the work of the Council. Our membership will bring new insights and perspectives at a time when we see the United Nations becoming increasingly relevant in fulfilling the rightful hopes of humanity.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Last year, Turkish official development assistance reached US$ 600 million. This figure does not reflect the contribution of the Turkish private sector, which contributes an almost equivalent amount. In this regard, we will further increase our contributions to the United Nations funds and programmes that serve the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States. The President returned to the Chair. Over the past two years, we have been campaigning for a seat on the Security Council for the term 2009-2010. Turkey has not served on the Council since 1961. This is an anomaly. We believe that, in the spirit of equitable rotation, our turn to be represented is long overdue. Turkey’s membership will enrich the work of the Security Council in a singularly important manner.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“These are issues related to development, peacekeeping operations, the strengthening of peacebuilding activities, humanitarian and relief operations, combating terrorism in all its forms and enhancing global energy security through the creation of safe transportation routes. Turkey firmly believes in the need for international cooperation to achieve environmentally friendly and socially sustainable development. We must better cater to the needs of the developing countries, particularly in the field of poverty reduction, eliminating infectious diseases, reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health. If we fail to create equal opportunities for women and provide education for children, none of the above will ever be achieved. I am pleased to say that Turkey is becoming a major donor country.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We are actively engaged in efforts to resolve the problems of the African continent, having established local offices of the Turkish International Cooperation Agency in Addis Ababa and Khartoum to help coordinate this larger effort across the African continent. More branches will follow. Turkey has been recognized by the World Food Programme as a major donor of food to Africa. Turkey is also contributing to five United Nations and two European Union missions in Africa. The fate of Africa is our common destiny, and we cannot remain indifferent to that continent’s acute problems. We must not let down Africa. We appeal to the more fortunate to help that continent achieve its true potential. After reviewing our activities within the United Nations, we have selected a number of areas as a priority in our work.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“On the Kashmir question, we continue to encourage the parties involved to work for a just and lasting solution to the problem through dialogue. We advocate reform at a time when transparency, the rule of law, gender equality, good governance and similar common values can no longer be denied to peoples, especially in an age of globalized communications. Turkey’s efforts are not, of course, confined to its immediate vicinity. Having consolidated our place among the largest economies of the world, we want to enrich and improve our relations with more distant regions. Our aim is to strengthen bilateral ties with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, East Asia and the Pacific.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We welcome Montenegro as a new Member of the United Nations. Frozen conflicts in the Caucasus also demand our urgent attention. Resolution of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict on the basis of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is of vital importance for peace and prosperity in the region. We would like to see this region become an area of prosperity based on cooperation. We will continue to support the political process and reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. In addition to our strong presence in the International Security Assistance Force, Turkey is establishing a provincial 9 06-53323 reconstruction team in the Vardak province of Afghanistan. Turkey will continue to be active in the areas of health, education and development in Afghanistan.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We take part in peacekeeping and police missions around the world. These greater objectives help explain our active diplomacy, primarily in regions such as the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus surrounding Turkey. In all such instances, we work to avert outright conflict and consolidate stability. We try to put out the fires of discord and cultivate reconciliation. We are committed to political processes and diplomatic solutions and are in the forefront of post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and assistance. The Balkans are passing through a profound transformation. In order not to relive the pain and suffering of the 1990s, we must vigilantly keep watch over peace. We must promote the building of viable State structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We must also promote a peaceful transition in Kosovo.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is time for the Turkish Cypriots to integrate into the global economy. We appeal to the international community to heed the call of the Secretary-General to end the current isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, which has no legal or moral basis. Turkey is close to the centre of most of the issues of concern to the international community, which naturally figure prominently on my country’s foreign policy agenda. Our objective is to establish conditions for a lasting peace and enhance cooperation for integration in the greater region. In this context, our relations with our neighbours continue to diversify. We believe that our good-neighbourly relations with Greece will enhance cooperation, stability and prosperity in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. In a similar vein, we have prepared several regional initiatives.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Indeed, the United Nations is the only sound platform that can help deliver lasting peace, cooperation and prosperity to all inhabitants of the island of Cyprus. The Turkish side still maintains the hope that the Greek Cypriot leaders will support the vision of a new partnership based on political equality with their Turkish Cypriot counterparts. The Turkish Cypriots have already given their support to the 8 July agreement and their consent to the United Nations suggestions for implementing that agreement in due course. There should be full- fledged negotiations on substantive issues between the two leaders of the island. Our proposal of 24 January 2006 for the simultaneous lifting of all restrictions related to the island remains on the table. In this day and age, living under unjustly imposed restrictions defies all reason.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We should also be cautious not to associate any faith with terrorism. By voting in favour of the proposed United Nations comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem in the April 2004 referendum, Turkish Cypriots responded positively to the expectations of the international community. Notwithstanding the intensive and sincere efforts of the Secretary-General, the Greek Cypriot side rejected that plan. Despite that rejection, the Turkish side remains committed to a just, peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question, based on the well-established parameters determined through the good offices mission of the Secretary-General. Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue to support strongly the Secretary-General’s mission.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is equally urgent that we build a democratic and prosperous Iraq that is whole and free from ethnic and sectarian violence. I should like to recall that a staggering number of people have lost their lives as a result of violence. We must all help the Iraqis to achieve a national consensus and to resolve their differences through dialogue and democratic processes. First and foremost, the Iraqis themselves must work towards that end. Throughout the past year, terrorism has continued to claim innocent lives. There is a growing realization that no degree of leniency can be extended to those who commit acts of terror. There is no room for double standards, and we can make no distinction between terrorists. At the same time, we must keep in mind that terrorism, an age-old method of coercion, has no deep links to any culture or religion.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“That is obviously what the world needs now. Therefore, we hope that the initiative will receive strong and sincere support from Member States. Indeed, regardless of where we come from — whether it be the East or the West — whatever faith we profess and whatever tradition we represent, we must all act responsibly. In today’s world, in which information travels at the speed of light, we must all refrain from acts and statements that can be misconstrued and can strengthen the hand of extremists. Likewise, our reactions must demonstrate 06-53323 8 such a sense of responsibility. Thus, we call upon everyone to act with common sense and to keep humanity’s best interests at heart. As we focus on the Middle East, we must not lose sight of Iraq.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Let us not forget that the growing sense of injustice associated with the Middle East problem deepens the rift in terms of cultural perceptions. We cannot permit events in the region to undermine the prospects of the cross-cultural harmony that we are working so hard to achieve. We believe that better understanding among cultures is indispensable for global harmony. That is precisely why the Prime Ministers of Turkey and Spain co-sponsored the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, launched by the Secretary-General. The objective is to emphasize the elements that unite various societies around our common humanity. The High-level Group for the Alliance of Civilizations will soon submit a comprehensive report to the Secretary-General setting out concrete and practical measures to improve intercultural dialogue.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is a problem for which everyone pays a heavy price — a problem that has huge ripple effects on a global scale. Indeed, the continuation of this problem is used to justify extremism around the world. Therefore, progress made towards a lasting peace in the Middle East would have a positive impact on many other problems. We note that everyone has drawn lessons from what took place in Lebanon. Now, in the aftermath of that tragedy, there is a different climate, conducive to a renewed peace initiative. Now is the time to revive efforts to put the Middle East peace process back on track. We make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties and to the international community not to let this opportunity pass by. What we need now is strong and determined leadership that will resolutely follow the path towards peace.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is a major step forward. Yet, given the many challenges that remain, it is only a first step towards bringing peace and stability to the region. We have decided to contribute to the implementation of the resolution, which is aimed at restoring the political sovereignty of the Lebanese Government. Indeed, we must try to seize the opportunity represented by resolution 1701 (2006). We hope that its spirit will be translated into a broader political perspective for the entire region. The tragic events in Lebanon should have reconfirmed that unilateralism is not the answer and that the use of force is not the solution. Similarly, they revealed for all to see that the question of Palestine continues to lie at the core of the problems in the Middle East. This issue is not simply a conflict between two countries.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“In addition, it is my distinct pleasure to pay a heartfelt tribute to our Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan. His name will continue to inspire us whenever we think of his dedication to global peace and stability and his tireless reform efforts. The hostilities and the outright destruction in Lebanon tested the faith placed in the United Nations. In the end, the resolve of Member States was manifested. From the very beginning, Turkey was engaged in active diplomacy and took its place at the forefront of the international efforts to end the bloodshed. At the same time, we remained in close contact with all the parties to the conflict. Throughout, we provided humanitarian aid to the people of Lebanon and assisted in the rapid evacuation of some 10,000 foreign nationals. We supported the adoption of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I wish to begin by warmly congratulating the President of the General Assembly. Although the empowerment of women has long been a United Nations priority, it has been nearly 40 years since a woman last held the Assembly presidency. Thus, we are encouraged by her election. I wish her every success. I also want to express my appreciation to the President of the General Assembly at its sixtieth session, His Excellency Mr. Jan Eliasson. The World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1), which addresses the challenges of our time, was the joint product of our work and his tireless efforts. His sound guidance enabled us to move forward on the pressing issues related to reform. The Peacebuilding Commission, the Human Rights Council and the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy are the hallmarks of those efforts.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We must also resist any temptation to associate any specific culture, religion or faith with terrorism. We should keep in mind that the right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy requires full and transparent cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The establishment of zones free of 4 weapons of mass destruction, particularly in the Middle East, will be an important contribution to international peace and security. Strengthening multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in the international system is a fundamental aspect of our foreign policy. It is the strongest hope and guarantee for a safer and better world.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We will continue our contributions to international institutions, working to alleviate the suffering and eliminate disease and hunger in Africa. The chain of attacks in various parts of the world proves that no country is immune to terrorism. We condemn these atrocities in the strongest terms. No distinction should be made among terrorist organizations. There is no room for double standards in this fight. We must reject terrorism as a method, regardless of where, why and how it is employed. Combating terrorism should be a global and collective effort, and the United Nations should continue to play a prominent role. We welcome Security Council resolutions that call for strengthened measures against incitement of terrorist acts and in favour of the prevention of armed conflict, particularly in Africa.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In that proposal, I basically suggested that it was necessary to enable the free movement of people, goods and services and to lift all restrictions applied to seaports and airports between the two sides in Cyprus as well as to Turkey and Greece. It is evident that this proposal conforms to the legitimate expectations of the international community. We attach great importance to furthering our relations and cooperation with the African continent. According to an action plan, Turkey is vigorously developing its relations with Africa as a whole. We recently opened an office in Addis Ababa to serve as a coordination centre for Turkish humanitarian and developmental assistance to the continent. The Turkish Government has also declared 2005 as the Year of Africa in Turkey.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“During the ensuing period, the Secretary- General’s soundings and his efforts to reactivate the talks based on his plan have yielded no tangible results because of the continued intransigence of the Greek Cypriot administration. As if that were not enough, the Greek Cypriot administration is now trying to sideline the United Nations and carry this issue to other forums. I urge all international actors to discourage these misguided efforts. Turkey continues to be ready to contribute to United Nations endeavours to find a just, equitable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan plan. On this occasion, I would like to reiterate the proposal that I made on 30 May 2005 for the lifting of all restrictions related to the island (see A/59/820).”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“On the other hand, under the effective guidance of the Greek Cypriot leadership, the rejection of the Annan plan in a referendum held last year was a blow to the international community. Thus, a chance to put an end to the division of the island once and for all was missed. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/437) issued after the referendum gave an overview of the long negotiating process and recommended the lifting of all restrictions upon the Turkish Cypriots. Unfortunately, against established practice, the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General on Cyprus is being disregarded. As a result, the unfair restrictions imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots could not be lifted. One might find it difficult to believe that the Turkish Cypriots still continue to live under restrictions, cut off from the outside world.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Regarding the Eastern Mediterranean, our vision is to create a basin of cooperation, stability and prosperity among Turkey, Greece and the two peoples of Cyprus. However, it is regrettable that, at a time when we are debating the best way to reform the United Nations and enhance its role, we are at the same time witnessing an attempt to move the Cyprus problem away from this Organization. We regard these efforts to undermine the role of the United Nations as a most disturbing paradox. The Annan plan represented a unique basis for the solution of this problem. Although it did not fully meet their expectations, for the sake of compromise the Turkish Cypriots approved the plan by an overwhelming majority.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“As a country that has twice led the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, 3 for a total of 14 months during the past three years, Turkey wishes to reiterate its continued commitment. We welcome the holding of elections as an encouraging development for democracy in Afghanistan. We are determined to continue our support for the strengthening of peace, stability and prosperity in South-East Europe. The Balkan region has made considerable progress towards the establishment of a peaceful environment leading to economic development. The political and economic consolidation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and final-status talks in Kosovo need to be monitored carefully. Turkey will continue to be a reliable partner in this process.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“In particular, a peaceful settlement must be found to the Nagorny Karabakh issue consistent with the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Steps towards ending the occupation of Azeri territory will create a better climate in the region, including in Turkish-Armenian relations. We are giving full support to the efforts of the Minsk Group. We are closely following the high-level contacts between Turkey’s two neighbours and are encouraging the parties to make progress. In Afghanistan, many challenges still lie ahead. The continued support of the international community is still needed. Among other matters, education, health, gender equality and economic development need increased attention. Alternative crops must be encouraged in order to replace widespread poppy cultivation.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Turkey, in cooperation with the United Nations, has been in the forefront of efforts for political and economic rehabilitation in Iraq. The Neighbours of Iraq forum, again pioneered by Turkey, has been an efficient platform to support the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. The security situation is a source of concern for all. Iraq has, unfortunately, become a training ground for terrorists. As a neighbouring country, Turkey suffers as a result of this. We are concerned that terrorism emanating from Iraq might have a ripple effect on other countries, including Turkey. It is our joint duty to prevent such an outcome. The problems of Nagorny Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to impede peace and cooperation in the South Caucusus. These problems defy all United Nations principles. They demand our urgent attention.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“That will encourage the Palestinians to become real partners in peace with the Israelis. Turkey is already actively working with the parties for the realization of this vision. We are determined to continue to contribute in any way we can. Iraq’s destiny and the way the events are unfolding in that country are of crucial importance for peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. Building a democratic and prosperous Iraq at peace with itself and its neighbours will be possible only if the Iraqi people act as one, in full solidarity and with a clear vision. Ethnic and religious differences in Iraq should not be divisive. Rather they should be a source of cultural plurality. Otherwise, the new Iraq will be a source of instability and conflict, instead of hope and inspiration for the entire region.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Furthermore, we must not let terror and violence derail the process this time. The reform of the Palestinian National Authority must move forward, particularly in the security domain. Efforts to improve the living conditions of the Palestinians have to be intensified. We support the work of Mr. James Wolfensohn, Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement, and are cooperating with him. We believe these efforts will help restore a sense of hope among the Palestinians and ensure security for the Israelis. In order to integrate the Palestinians with the world, seaports and airports must be built and activated. Border crossings and trade corridors must function smoothly. Freedom of movement must be achieved. Such measures will go a long way towards revitalizing the Palestinian economy.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“It is against that background, and with a sense of confidence, that I take the opportunity to submit to the Assembly’s attention Turkey’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the term 2009-2010. Ongoing reform efforts hold great promise for the improvement of the political, social and economic standards of the Middle East region. We will continue to encourage and assist those local efforts. Concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is an encouraging development. We would like to witness the same positive trend in the West Bank. Israeli settlement activities in occupied territories must come to an end. The sanctity of the holy sites in Jerusalem must be respected. The road map should be revived and fully implemented.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“A large number of international problems that are high on the United Nations agenda are occurring in our part of the world. These are real issues that closely affect the daily lives of our people. As a country with a 2 rich heritage and great international experience, we are working to build a culture of compromise and reconciliation. Our historical and cultural links to nations in neighbouring regions from Eurasia to the Islamic world and our role as a member of European, trans-Atlantic and Mediterranean institutions will have a positive effect on Turkey’s contribution to international relations in the twenty-first century.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Those principles should guide us in our future efforts. We have left a very busy period behind, culminating with an important summit. The Summit Outcome document (resolution 60/1) has encouraged us all to focus on the global problems we face and on the way to achieve positive change. Now is the time to act. We must start implementing what we have agreed upon on issues ranging from peacebuilding to human rights. While doing this, we must not lose sight of our main target: we must reach the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, by the year 2015. With these things in mind, we welcome the Secretary-General’s proposal to start with an accountability pact (see ). We also welcome your idea, Mr. President, to submit an outline of work for the year ahead related to follow-up of the summit.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“At the outset, I would like to convey the condolences of my people to the friendly people of the United States on the tragic loss of life and large-scale destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. This is also a stark reminder of the many other natural and man-made disasters, such as famine in Africa, tsunamis, earthquakes, ecological catastrophes and wide-scale violence and terrorism. They all require sustained international attention and cooperation. Having suffered from similar disasters, Turkey deeply feels for others and stands in solidarity with them. Upholding the principles of justice, dignity, equality and social progress for the men and women of our world should be the basis of the international order. We must spread justice together with freedom. We cannot rest until we provide prosperity and dignity for every human being.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Turkey is determined to use every effort and deploy all the means at its disposal in order to strengthen peace and stability in its immediate region and beyond. We will try to use the influence of our multidimensional ties and deep-rooted relations to achieve that goal. We remain strongly committed to translating into reality the universal validity of the noble values and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Indiscriminate killing of innocent people, be it in New York, Istanbul, Baghdad, Beslan or elsewhere, is a crime against humanity. We condemn those terrorist atrocities in the strongest terms. As a country that has long suffered from terrorism, Turkey calls for more intensified multilateral cooperation. The United Nations system is an important platform in that respect and we extend our full support to efforts under its aegis. We also strongly believe in the urgent need to strengthen the control regimes for weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. We will continue to support ongoing work to ensure full adherence to the legal instruments in that field. The creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones is an important way of strengthening peace and security in the world and in all regions, including the Middle East.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“After all, as Iraqís success will be our collective success, so its failure will also be a collective failure. For its part, Turkey will continue to support the Iraqi interim Governmentís efforts in paving the way to normalcy and democracy. Turkey's traditional support for the Afghan people will continue. The establishment of security, 27 stability and a democratic system in Afghanistan is another urgent task. Freeing that country from terrorism, extremism and narcotics is of crucial importance for the international community. We should all work to make the upcoming elections a significant step towards those ends. We all agree that terrorism has no justification. It can never claim to respect any religion, nation or cause.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It goes without saying that developments in Iraq are also affecting my country and causing suffering for my people, while, as we are a neighbouring country, most of Iraqís humanitarian needs are being supplied through Turkey. The Iraqi transition is not only about the fate of the Iraqi nation. It is about the future of peace and prosperity in the whole region and beyond. That is the motive for Turkey's strong support of a united, territorially intact and democratic Iraq - an Iraq that is at peace with itself and with its neighbours. That should and can only be achieved with the full participation and support of the Iraqi people as a whole. More United Nations involvement would facilitate that task. The series of neighbouring countries meetings, initiated by Turkey, is also a valuable instrument to be taken into account.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“And the living conditions of the Palestinians need to be urgently improved. Any settlement would be incomplete without progress on all tracks, including those involving Syria and Lebanon. My Government is focused on contributing to the improvement of the situation in Iraq. We appreciate the massive resources and political efforts mobilized by the United States Administration and the international community for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. We sincerely hope those efforts yield the desired results soon. However, the humanitarian, political and security difficulties faced by the people of Iraq continue to adversely affect one another.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Benefiting from its traditional ties with the parties, Turkey has already offered its active contribution to the implementation of the road map. We also support every effort that is initiated and coordinated in that context. We join the call made by the Quartet yesterday. The resumption of the negotiating process between the two parties should remain the central objective of current efforts. It is important, likewise, that both sides fulfil their performance criteria as laid out in the road map. Terrorist attacks against the Israeli people must stop. So must the deliberate destruction of Palestinian lives and properties. The process of the reform of Palestinian institutions must be advanced. Israeli settlement activities must be immediately halted. The ruling of the International Court of Justice must be respected.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We hope that the Abkhazian conflict and the problems in South Ossetia will be overcome by peaceful means, within the framework of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. My Government supports a just and lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the fundamental principles of international law, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and good-neighbourly relations. We expect the Armenian Government to fully comply with the relevant United Nations resolutions to reach such a solution. The Middle East problem and the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan are the major conflicts responsible for compounding instability in the world and are leading to increasingly serious consequences. The road map is the only available framework for a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian problem.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We hope that the improvement in bilateral relations will continue in the coming period. Our wide-ranging cooperation is expanding in every field. That will facilitate the settlement of all pending issues. It will also result in a climate of cooperation beneficial to the two countries, as well as peace, stability and security in the region as a whole. Turkey believes that it is high time to start taking concrete steps towards eliminating the existing ìfrozenî conflicts in the southern Caucasus, such as those in Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. As a neighbouring country, we are actively contributing to efforts aimed at achieving stability and prosperity in that region. To that end, we have been encouraging all the parties concerned while facilitating the ongoing process of dialogue.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, they have yet to be rewarded for expressing their will to reunify the island. We urge the Security Council positively to respond to the Secretary-Generalís call. We also appeal to United Nations Member States to take concrete steps, at the bilateral level, to put an end to the isolation and punishment of the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 26 Turkey has been strongly supporting, and will continue to support, the preservation of peace and stability in south-east Europe. We are glad to note that considerable progress has been achieved in this region thanks to the sustained efforts of the international community and of the Balkan countries themselves. Turkey is determined to sustain the promising and constructive atmosphere in our relations with Greece.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Secretary-General, in his report to the Security Council, clearly stated that the referendums drastically changed the situation on the island. It confirmed, once again, the existence of two equal peoples and their separate rights to decide their own fate. The Secretary-General also called on the members of the Security Council to 'give a strong lead to all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies, to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development' (S/2004/437, p. 2). Turkey remains committed to a lasting settlement in Cyprus. Five months have passed since the Turkish Cypriots, responding to the call of the international community, voted courageously in favour of the United Nations plan.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Secretary-Generalís settlement plan was the result of four years of serious negotiations between the two sides. They were conducted on the basis of a new bi-zonal partnership with a federal Government and two constituent States. The plan was put to separate referendums, with the prior agreement of all parties concerned. The Annan plan was overwhelmingly accepted by the Turkish Cypriots, but the Greek Cypriot leadership chose to reject it. I profoundly regret the fact that an opportunity to resolve the longstanding problem of Cyprus was thus missed. As a result, a chance to grant fresh credibility to the United Nations was lost. A possible source of inspiration for peacemakers elsewhere, in the Middle East or the Caucasus, also disappeared.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Turkey has a unique position as the only member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that is also a candidate for membership in the European Union. That position enables us to facilitate interaction and dialogue between the Islamic world and the West. Turkey has numerous achievements to its credit in the process of helping to create an environment conducive to development, stability and progress in our region and beyond. The Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Stability Pact are good examples to that effect. My Government has been taking a peaceful and problem-solving approach to world affairs. On the chronic issue of Cyprus, my Government fully supported Secretary-General Kofi Annanís good- offices mission, and we cooperated closely with him.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I should like to take this opportunity to confirm Turkey's candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the term 2009-2010. In spite of its substantial contributions to peace and security, Turkey has not been a member of the Council for almost half a century. Therefore we rightfully expect the support of the General Assembly for our candidacy. Our bid for a non-permanent seat is in tune with Turkey's larger efforts to secure peace, stability and security in its region and beyond. Turkey figures prominently in humanitarian activities, from Palestine to Darfur. We have been contributing increasing numbers to international peacekeeping missions whose geographical distribution ranges from Bosnia to Afghanistan.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Each member of the international community has a stake in, and responsibility for, the implementation of such an agenda. On our part, my Government, fully conscious of that correlation, has carried out sweeping political and economic reforms in the past two years. We have thus upgraded and deepened our democracy and consolidated an accountable, transparent and efficient administration and a dynamic civil society upholding the rule of law and human rights. The expectations of our people, as well as the relevant United Nations and European Union standards, inspired us in our reform drive. I take pride in the fact that many observers, both in the west and in the east, have seen in our experience the perfect embodiment of modernity, progress, identity and tradition.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The United Nations system should be encouraged to intensify its role in addressing those issues. Confidence in the international order and in international institutions should not be undermined. A more effective and credible United Nations would be better able to face the common challenges of today. The Security Council should have a more representative and balanced character; indeed, representation in the Council must be inclusive and fair. That will increase its legitimacy 25 and efficiency. In that respect, I would like to commend the efforts of the Secretary-General. The correlation between good governance and peace and prosperity is valid both domestically and internationally. Therefore, a global agenda for reform should cover all aspects of domestic and international life.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The goals that the Millennium Declaration defined for humanity are ambitious, yet achievable. Reducing hunger and extreme poverty, spreading universal primary education, halting infectious diseases and reducing child mortality within 15 years continue to be urgent tasks. Universal humanitarian challenges and chronic political-military conflicts are compounded with new and asymmetrical threats such as terrorism, narcotic drugs, organized crime, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and environmental problems. On the other hand, racism, anti-Semitism, prejudicial attitudes against the tenets of certain creeds and cultures, among them those of Islam, and xenophobia add fuel to those menaces. In addition, the special and urgent needs of the African continent continue to require a collective response.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I would like to start by congratulating you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session. I pledge the full support of my delegation for your endeavours. I would also like to pay tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Julian Hunte for his able presidency. We are world leaders at a time when our globe is undergoing an important phase of adaptation to new realities, opportunities and challenges. As the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, frequently states, we now possess the know- how to address our common concerns. The Millennium Summit, which was the largest gathering of world leaders, produced a historical document - the Millennium Declaration - which charts the right course for humanity in the new millennium.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We believe in the vital role of the United Nations and its increased relevance in the present international environment, and we are committed to promoting the effectiveness of our Organization.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)