YouSaid · the spoken record

Çetin

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS ÇETIN

lines on the record: 54
first: 1992-09-24
most recent: 1993-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“With the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Organization to be celebrated in two years’ time, all of us here must admit that the main objective defined in the Charter, namely, "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," has not yet been achieved. In the strengthening of peace and security our immediate task is fully to mobilize the potential of the United Nations for resolving regional and local conflicts, which have proliferated since the end of the cold war. For the future well-being of all nations, it is high time to act with the vision and forbearance that peace requires. Turkey stands committed to continue making its own contribution to attaining that objective.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“First, we believe that the evolution of the international environment towards a better future is not only desirable but, in certain conditions, also possible. Secondly, we are of the opinion that such a future may materialize only through the reinforcement of respect for the rule of law along with the universal observance and implementation of the principles of democracy and tolerance. The United Nations was created to preserve peace. However, it cannot be expected to help resolve the collective security problems of our times unless its Member States are willing and prepared to assume their responsibilities as Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 39 upholders and enforcers of the United Nations Charter and the contemporary norms of international behaviour.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We are actively engaged in the post-cold-war search for new approaches to build peace through multilateral action. Our objective is to reinforce the international security system. Only the United Nations can provide legitimacy to regional arrangements and institutions should the latter decide to act in the fields of militarily backed preventive diplomacy, peace-keeping and peace enforcement. All three of those categories of action are in demand on Turkey’s periphery. My Government deploys all of its available assets to help defuse and resolve these crises. We strive to create and consolidate interlinked areas of solidarity and processes of cooperation. In that effort we proceed from two basic tenets.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It is with such considerations that Turkey has endorsed the concept of confidence-building measures, the scope and contents of which must be acceptable to both communities. Whatever the reasons that may still divide the two sides, the negotiating process must continue. It is high time for all concerned to display realism and act with vision in search of a negotiated, durable solution. At present a campaign is under way for early general elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We earnestly hope that once the elections are over the Turkish Cypriot side will again be able to continue to play its constructive role in the negotiating process. Turkey lies at the very epicentre of several regions making up the most turbulent part of the Northern hemisphere.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We must take careful account of those problems and the present difficulties, but we must build for the future. Today the Cyprus question has reached a stage where the common desire and purpose of the international community is to promote an early and comprehensive solution. To that end, the Secretary-General continues his mission of good offices. As ever, Turkey supports the Secretary-General’s efforts aimed at bringing about a freely negotiated, just and viable settlement. No doubt the realization of that objective requires a display of goodwill, understanding and patience by both negotiating partners in the island. Moreover, it also calls for a carefully balanced and determined approach in order to heal the profound mistrust driving the parties apart.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The international community should also devise a set of measures aimed at redressing their mounting losses. My Government is concerned over the worsening situation in Jammu and Kashmir. We wish to see the dispute between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue resolved through the resumption of sustained dialogue. To that end, Turkey will continue to support Pakistan’s endeavours in pursuit of a negotiated settlement of this long-standing problem. As to Cyprus, it is certainly not my intention to indulge in a consideration of the past. I am quite aware that this is not the time, not would it be profitable, to enter into recriminations over history. What is important is to understand the issue correctly while acknowledging the facts underlying the present problems and the profound mistrust between the two communities.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Compliance would tangibly demonstrate Iraq’s interest in resuming its place in the international community. However, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of the people of Iraq. My Government firmly believes that the international community must urgently consider imaginative ways to break this vicious circle. Turkey has been forthcoming in providing Iraq with humanitarian assistance since 1991. By the same token, we have decided to launch a new humanitarian assistance programme worth $13.5 million aimed at the entire needy population of northern Iraq. Our approach is without prejudice to Iraq’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Along with the Iraqi people, a number of countries, particularly Iraq’s neighbours, are also exposed to the adverse effects of the continued economic sanctions.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Irreversibility of the process is not enough; the process must advance at an accelerated pace towards the ultimate objectives defined in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). The wise, far-sighted and courageous architects who designed this blueprint for rebuilding amity and peace in the Middle East may, as ever, rest assured of Turkey’s firm 38 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session support for and contribution to their mission. We are committed to assisting their endeavours in every way. Three years after the outbreak of the Gulf crisis the people of Iraq are still subjected to hardship. This regrettable situation results from the Baghdad Government’s reluctance to comply fully with the requirements of the Security Council resolutions relating to the Gulf War settlement.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The historic breakthrough achieved in the Middle East peace process holds the promise of concord and cooperation not only between the Palestinians, Israel and their Arab neighbours, but on a much wider regional scale. Its positive ripple effects may set in motion multi-dimensional dynamics that could transform an entire area, stretching from the Atlantic to the Gulf and from the eastern Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, into one of harmony, dialogue and co-prosperity. As a country that neighbours the Middle East, has a record of constructive involvement in the region’s affairs and good traditional ties with all the parties to this dispute, Turkey hails with the utmost satisfaction this momentous shift from enmity towards reconciliation. The momentum so gained should be fully utilized.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Conference re-emphasized the importance of the global task of promoting and protecting all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and confirmed the commitment of the international community to securing the full and universal enjoyment of those rights through increased and sustained international cooperation and solidarity. The Vienna Declaration includes a comprehensive definition of terrorism as any activity aiming at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, threatening the territorial integrity of States and destabilizing legitimately constituted Governments. We strongly endorse the call by the Conference to continue taking the necessary steps to prevent and combat terrorism.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That momentum, in its turn, will give impetus to the consolidation of peace, because democracies seldom fight each other. The only way to advance towards democracy is progressive and sustained democratization. The distance covered in this process is measured by the degree of respect for human rights and the rule of law. The convening of the World Conference on Human Rights earlier this year enabled the international community to identify clearly the indispensable common denominators needed in the building of pluralistic civil societies.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Over the same period 28 countries in three continents, stricken by natural and/or man-made disasters, have received humanitarian aid worth a total of $213 million from Turkey, in cash or in kind, as well as various forms of relief and accommodation for refugees. Offering as they do a gloomy general picture, the past 12 months are nevertheless not totally bereft of reasons for optimism, which include: the processes culminating in the restoration of democracy in Haiti and Cambodia; the positive developments leading towards the building of a democratic, united, free and non-racial South Africa; and the peaceful evolution of Eritrea to independence. A new diplomacy for democracy seems to be making headway. All of us must bring our full energies to bear on this phenomenon so that it may gain momentum.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Turkey, stretching its budgetary means to the utmost, continues to be increasingly active as a donor and contributor in the fields of economic and humanitarian support and solidarity. Since the beginning of 1992 we have implemented an economic assistance package amounting to $2,893 million. The package includes technical assistance, project financing, training grants and soft loans, made available to 32 countries in four continents. We are firmly committed to continuing our efforts in this domain. To increase efficiency in terms of coordination, we have set up the Turkish International Cooperation Agency.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this connection, Turkey welcomes the Secretary- General’s latest report on the work of the organization, in which he courageously addresses the gravity of the situation stemming from the difficulty in raising funds for development aid experienced since the end of the cold war. He accurately observes that the poorer countries no longer hold the same interest for the rich as they did in the previous decades of ideological competition. My Government believes that activities for development are just as important as peace-keeping operations. Indeed, it is those activities, including their humanitarian assistance dimension, which provide the foundations for global peace and security.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Adoption of that draft resolution would help to accelerate the pace of the efforts made in the struggle against all forms of fanaticism, fundamentalism, discrimination and persecution. Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 37 Tolerance and social development are correlated concepts. Accordingly, my Government attaches great importance to concerted action at the global level aimed at solving social problems and easing the tensions they cause. Hence, we are amply satisfied that the Chilean initiative for the convening in March 1995 of a World Summit for Social Development has borne fruit. Turkey will prepare for this Summit in earnest, and looks forward to contributing to its success.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The newly emerging geopolitical pluralism of Eurasia has to be kept alive with a moral commitment to the quest for global democratic interdependence. Most of the threats to international peace in our time are bred in climates of intolerance. We have to develop a new mind-set for the recognition and acknowledgment of other peoples’ right to be different. We have to enlarge our capacity for give and take. Tolerance is the foundation of civil society. To build a just and peaceful world order, such societies must proliferate. To that end, we need to promote a culture of tolerance all over the world. In this spirit, and as a follow-up to resolution 47/124, Turkey will submit during the current session a draft resolution proposing the proclamation of 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“He underlined that, by strengthening the nation State as the main subject of international law, multilateralism preserves the world community from these two great perils. His admonition that "Ultra-nationalism today may still be a temptation, at times, for a number of major Powers nostalgic for the period of hegemony" is of particular relevance at this juncture of post-cold-war developments. Indeed, the darkening shadows of ultra-nationalism and micro-nationalism, ethnic chauvinism and neo-racism have loomed like phantoms behind the scenes in the crises that have erupted during the last two years. The international community has to cure itself of these diseases. We should not let irredentist, hegemonic tendencies plague our future.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Neither in the Balkans nor in the Caucasus - nor, for that matter, anywhere else - will Turkey ever accept the acquisition of territory by force. Unless such gross violations of international law are prevented and the principles of the United Nations Charter vigorously upheld, the present turmoil and confusion cannot be replaced by a just and peaceful order. It is with these thoughts in mind that Turkey strongly endorses the observations made by the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, in his statement on 30 August last, at the sixty-sixth session of the Institute of International Law in Milan. There he appropriately referred to ultra- nationalism and micro-nationalism as two of the greatest dangers menacing today’s international society.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Turkey will continue to pursue actively the course of justice and legitimacy to support the brave people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their struggle for survival and democracy. The sinister success of Serbian expansionism in Bosnia has emboldened aggressors elsewhere. A tragedy of similar proportions is occurring in the Caucasus, where Armenians have occupied a fifth of Azerbaijani territory. Peace and stability in a sensitive region neighbouring Turkey has been seriously undermined. Security Council resolutions 822 (1993) and 853 (1993), calling for the immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of the occupation forces, are being ignored. It should be borne in mind that short-term military opportunism is not compatible with long-term interests. Moreover, it is fraught with unpredictable dangers.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“They include the validity of our hope to do away with ethnic and religious warfare in the future. The betrayal of Bosnia as a multicultural, multi-ethnic State, invalidates this hope - and with it the fundamental principles of our Organization. If we allow dictatorship and adventurism to get away with the crimes they have committed in Bosnia, the post-cold-war disorder may worsen. Continued denial of the right of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to defend itself aggravates the responsibility of the international community for what is happening there. Should Bosnia and Herzegovina disintegrate, not only the Balkans and Europe, 36 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session but the whole world, will eventually suffer the bitter after-effects.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Moreover, denying the Bosnians the means for their legitimate self-defence amounts to a failure in due support for democracy against tyranny. A most serious blow has been dealt to the moral essence of international law and to the contemporary principles of conduct among nations. Any document endorsing the consequences of expansionism, genocide and "ethnic cleansing" cannot usher in real peace. No peace throughout history has been lasting when based on rewarding injustice, aggression and racism. We cannot relieve our conscience by fabricating realpolitik excuses for our inaction and silence. Appeasement is no policy, but partnership in wrongdoing. The stakes in Bosnia are much higher than those related to the survival of the Bosnian State and its people.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Few, if any, would contest the fact that it was the tragedy of Bosnia and Herzegovina that dispelled the euphoria prevalent during the earlier period of the post- cold-war era. Genocide and "ethnic cleansing" were the hallmarks of the tragedy. They were conducted with impunity. We could neither halt, nor roll back the Serbian aggression. Nor could we alleviate, in earnest the suffering of the survivors. The example of a civic State, embracing all its citizens as equals, irrespective of their ethnic origin or religion, was given to us in Bosnia where a mature multicultural civilization had evolved over many centuries. No lament over its destruction at the hands of ethnic chauvinism could be exaggerated.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Semi-permanent membership in the Council could rotate among a specific number of States designated according to certain objective criteria: population; geopolitical posture; economic potential; record of contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security; and equitable geographical distribution. Since Turkey fully meets these criteria, it considers itself qualified as a candidate for that new category of membership. A Security Council more responsive, representative, transparent and accountable is a requirement inherent in the spirit of Article 24 of the Charter. Hence, the democratization of its structure would ensure more active participation in the Council’s work. The moral ground for the full implementation of the Council’s resolutions would thereby be strengthened.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In other words, the post-cold-war environment requires a fresh approach towards the Council’s renovation and restructuring. Hence, the discussion on the twin themes of equitable representation and membership enlargement is very timely. Turkey firmly believes that enlarging the Security Council membership would enhance its effectiveness. Enlargement should not be conceived of only as an increase in the number of members, but should also envisage the creation of a new category of seats to be held by States that could be qualified as semi-permanent members.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Turkey’s response to this urgency is reflected in our contribution to peace-keeping operations As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report entitled "An Agenda for Peace" (A/47/277), effectively managing of the crises currently confronting us and responding adequately to the challenges ahead call for the elaboration of a shared vision for the future of our Organization. In this connection, the focus of priority attention should be the Security Council. Today, the prestige and credibility of the United Nations depend more than ever on the effectiveness of that principal body. There is a widespread call for the Security Council to become more responsive to the needs of the current international scene. This can be made possible only by making the Council more representative of the new geopolitical realities.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Since the cold war drew to a close and the conflicts of the transition era rose to the fore, United Nations peace-keeping operations have undergone considerable expansion in terms of their functions, size, geographical area and degree of complexity. This process has occurred in tandem with the rapid evolution of the international landscape. The same background conditions have prompted the emergence of preventive diplomacy, peace- enforcement and peace-building as new concepts awaiting urgent translation into practical and mutually supportive instruments at the disposal of the international community.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“There definitely exists a political space for constructive initiatives and a basis for cooperative action to that end. It is the United Nations which defines and guards that political space. Indeed, the United Nations is the foremost symbol of modern internationalism. In these turbulent post- cold-war years, hardly a day passes without the Organization Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 35 being called upon to take the lead on some important task. These tasks include missions for preserving or restoring peace and security, the upholding of the rule of law, and missions to ensure the survival of mankind, to help save the environment, to combat social scourges and to rescue the so- called failing societies.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That did not prove to be the case. Accordingly, the creation of a new, desirable international system continues to top the political agenda as the most challenging task of our times. The past 12 months have demonstrated yet again that the new world in the making might at times be as dangerous as the old, if not worse in certain respects. Nevertheless, we should resist the impulse to indulge in a dark pessimism for which there can be no legitimate cause. The crucial phase of history we are going through calls for reflection and positive action, not a defeatist mood. The international community should not stand by in desperation and watch conditions deteriorate. It must display the will to redirect the course of history towards our expectations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We believe that their admission represents yet another milestone in further consolidating the universality of this Organization. There is no doubt that our community will be enriched and strengthened by their contribution to the realization of the ideals of the United Nations. The excitement and hopefulness of 1989 already seem to be part of a distant past. We both welcomed and were unprepared for the events that marked the dramatic end of the cold war. They generated a tidal wave of optimism about the future of international relations. Fervent talk about a rapidly changing world was the order of the day when we entered the present decade. Little was done, however, to determine and shape the dynamics and scope of the change. It was more or less taken for granted that this change would turn out to be for the better.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“At the outset, I wish to congratulate Ambassador Insanally on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. The fact that he was selected to guide our deliberations signifies the confidence that Member States have in his well-known professional qualities. I am sure that, under his guidance, the present session of the Assembly will tackle the issues on its agenda with courage and realism. I would also like to place on record our appreciation for the competence and wisdom of his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Stoyan Ganev, and for his outstanding performance in steering the work of the General Assembly during an eventful year. My delegation takes joyful pride in welcoming Andorra, the Czech Republic, Eritrea, Macedonia, Monaco and the Slovak Republic to the family of nations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“My delegation undertakes to work with other delegations in a spirit of cooperation and compromise so that our Organization may live up to its high promise and serve mankind at this crucial time.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The General Assembly has never been more representative. The report of the Secretary-General entitled "An Agenda for Peace" (A/47/277) provides, in a timely manner, the intellectual foundation for our future activities. The United Nations must not only set the tone and provide political guidance to regional organizations in their efforts to secure peace, but must also be prepared to assume its leadership role. It must not fail to live up to its responsibilities under the Charter. The conditions are right for the great challenges to be met successfully. For the United Nations to pass the test, everything depends on the Members who must act in concert and with courage.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The humanitarian problems confronting the international community have never been more daunting. There continue to be massive violations of human rights in many parts of the world, while the environment raises problems which we must solve if we are to survive on this planet. Great as these challenges are, we have in the United Nations a comprehensive framework within which we can operate and address mankind's problems. The end of ideological conflicts makes this possible. The restructuring carried out in the Secretariat under the leadership of our newly elected Secretary-General is a good beginning in strengthening our newly elected Secretary-General is a good beginning in strengthening our Organization. There is a new spirit in the Security Council and in the Economic and Social Council.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“With the addition of new Members, the question of the distribution of seats in United Nations bodies to geographical regions comes up for consideration. It would be desirable also to consider whether the current geographical groupings conform to our present-day needs. We know that the artificial division of Europe between East and West in the United Nations is the result of ideological differences which have ceased to exist. The question of merging the Group of Western European and Other States with the Eastern European Group should be given active consideration. The challenges before the United Nations are as great as ever. Despite the ending of the cold war, conflicts rage on in many parts of the world and threaten to proliferate. Economic problems persist, made worse by a recession which will not go away.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In full awareness of this promising trend, Turkey has taken the initiative of launching a comprehensive scheme for expanded cooperation between the countries of the Black Sea region. The aim of this regional cooperation is to ensure that the Black Sea becomes an area of peace, stability and prosperity in which regional cooperation can be used as a tool to accelerate the integration of the participating States into the global economy. At the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council last July, there was a focused discussion on restructuring the economic system of the United Nations. The economic and social structure of the United Nations needs to be developed in a way that will enable it better to respond to the growing challenges of our changing world.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development was a major step towards broadening the scope of economic development in a sustainable manner. The Conference accelerated the universal push towards global sustainable development. Turkey believes that this momentum is now irreversible. We must look beyond the Conference and devise policies that would help to perpetuate and strengthen this momentum. Turkey holds the view that a good way to work towards the objectives of peace, political and social stability as well as economic development is through regional cooperation. The political changes of the past few years have broadened the opportunities for such cooperation.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“With the economic policies of all countries converging as never before, the time has come to launch a concerted effort to create an international economic environment more congenial to growth and sustained development. Countries with economies in transition are continuing their efforts to ensure integration into the world economy. The major difficulties of the developing countries are well known. We regret that the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations has not yet been concluded. This raises fears of protectionism. Since trade is a major vehicle for developing countries to break free of the burden of foreign debt and pursue their development efforts, the necessary political will must be displayed for these negotiations to be concluded successfully.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Turkey attaches great importance to international efforts directed at easing social problems and tensions and supports the convening of a world summit for social development. The Government of Chile should be commended for its imaginative initiative in this direction. I should now like to turn to international economic issues. The political developments in Eastern Europe and in the former Soviet Union, the aftermath of the Gulf crisis and the protracted recession in the industrialized countries have had negative effects on the world economy. The World Economic Survey reports that for the first time since the First World War the global economy has lot grown. The events of the past year have continued to obstruct and render fruitless the efforts of the developing countries to restructure their economies.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We think the time has come for the relevant United Nations bodies, the Rapporteurs of the Commission on Human Rights, and the non-governmental organizations to address this question of terrorist violence as a matter of priority. Having experienced rapid social change and urbanization, Turkey today seeks to improve the quality of life of its population, to ensure equal advancement opportunities for all and to promote both individual initiative and community solidarity. We are focusing on protecting vulnerable groups so that they can play a productive role in society. In other words, Turkey strives to achieve economic growth with a human and social dimension. My Government believes that social problems affecting the international community will be increasingly difficult and costly to overcome if concerted action is not taken promptly.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“All manifestations of xenophobia and discrimination must be curbed if tolerance and mutual understanding are to put down deep and lasting roots. Non-governmental organizations should spend more time and energy in monitoring violations of the human rights of migrant communities. My delegation would like to draw the attention of the General Assembly to the widespread phenomenon of subversive violence carried out by terrorist groups. Such violence constitutes a most serious infringement of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the basic right to life. It aims at nothing less than the destruction of democracy. This is a crucial fact which we must never forget.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“On a broader plane, we are concerned with the growing incidence of xenophobia and new forms of racism that increasingly threaten the very existence of migrant communities in Europe. Turkey is directly affected by this negation of human values, since there are more than 2 million Turkish citizens living in European countries, either as migrant workers or as their dependents. Like all individuals, these people too are entitled to enjoy security of person and protection by the State against random violence, threats or intimidation. We urge the host countries to ensure the protection of these individuals, to see to it that their human rights are duly respected, and effectively to prevent and punish violence and racist crimes against them.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“All countries experience violations of human rights, and all must, whatever their records may be, strive to improve their performance in this area. In Turkey our human-rights legislation and practices are kept under constant review in order to eliminate abuses and rectify shortcomings. As a party to all of the European instruments and control mechanisms aimed at protecting human rights, as well as to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, our objective is to guarantee everyone the fullest enjoyment of human rights and to prevent any violations or malpractices. We have made important strides in Turkey, and we are resolved to maintain this course.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We are gratified to note that in our day democratic pluralism, the rule of law, free and fair elections and respect for human rights have finally become the universally accepted attributes of a modern State. The best guarantee of respect for human rights is the existence of a democratic form of government. In other words, democracy and human rights are inseparable. We welcome the progress of democracy in all regions of the world. We expect the United Nations to play a more active role in the strengthening of democratic institutions. We regard the ever-growing number of requests being received at the United Nations to assist in the holding of elections as a very encouraging development. In the field of human rights, no country can claim to have attained perfection.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The proximity talks which started on 18 June within the framework of the Secretary-General's good offices mission have registered some progress and resulted in the beginning of face-to-face talks between the leaders of the two communities. This positive turn in the negotiating process has been achieved in great part owing to the constructive contribution of President Denktas. However, much remains to be done before we can reach our objective. It is our sincere hope that prior to the resumption of the direct talks on 26 October between the leaders of the two communities, sufficient ground will be covered so that an early completion of the work on the set of ideas will be possible. Once that stage is reached, Turkey stands ready to participate in the four-party conference to conclude an overall framework agreement.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“However, we have been greatly dismayed by the recent eruption of fighting in Kabul. Turkey calls on all sides in Afghanistan to put an end to this fratricide and to start working for peace, so that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of this devastated country may begin and millions of Afghan refugees may finally return to their homes. In South Africa, we fully support the democratization process, which should lead to a complete dismantling of apartheid and to the creation of a new non-racial society in that country, based on due respect for the human rights of all South Africans. The search for a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question continues.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Turkey holds the view that in this region there can be no place for adventurism and reckless behaviour. Armenia should disengage from Nagorno-Karabakh and withdraw its forces from Azerbaijani territories. We urge the parties to achieve a negotiated political solution on the basis of respect for the inviolability of international borders, for minority rights and for the principles of the United Nations Charter and relevant Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) obligations and commitments. We shall continue to work for peace in this region. In the same spirit, we look forward to further progress in establishing democracy and restoring peaceful conditions in our neighbour and friend, Georgia. In Afghanistan, we had hoped that all would put aside their differences and start the process of reconciliation.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“My Government will be the first to welcome a return to normality and the restoration of normal relations between Iraq and its neighbours. From this rostrum Turkey has on many occasions expressed its consistent stand on the question of Palestine. Today, I wish to reaffirm our support for the negotiating process on the Middle East conflict launched in Madrid in October 1991. This is a very important opportunity for peace, and we call on all the parties to seize it to arrive at a comprehensive and lasting settlement on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). As a neighbouring country, Turkey follows very closely the developments in the Caucasus. In this region, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a source of deep concern for us because of its implications for peace and security in the whole area.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“At a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina are being carved up by the aggressors, priority has been given to the provision of humanitarian assistance. Therefore, while supporting other efforts to reach a peaceful settlement, we have also put forward an action plan that consists of a set of concrete and effective measures designed to stop the fighting in that country. We fear that further continuation of the Bosnian conflict could lead to greater dangers. We remain prepared to assist any concerted international action to bring about an end to the Bosnian tragedy. On Iraq, we remain concerned two years after the Gulf crisis. Baghdad has yet to demonstrate that it truly wishes to take its rightful place in the international community. The Iraqi Government should comply fully with the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Mandatory resolutions of the Security Council are yet to be fully implemented. Hundreds of thousands of Bosnian refugees face an uncertain future away from their homes. Those surviving in the ruins of once-flourishing cities and towns are threatened by starvation and disease. As winter approaches, the need to provide security and shelter to the population becomes ever more pressing. I have myself had a chance to glimpse the suffering in Sarajevo. In addition to our international responsibility and obligations as a member of the world community, the historical and cultural bonds which my country shares with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the presence in Turkey of a large number of citizens of Bosnian descent place us in a special relationship to the fate of this country.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The most severe challenge to the new order has been posed by the series of crises engulfing the former Yugoslavia. The international reaction to the sinister designs of the former Yugoslav army in Croatia last year was not forceful enough to deter the aggressors at that time. Today the bitter consequences of our inadequate response are being harvested throughout the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity have been violated in defiance of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. While the international community has condemned Serbian aggression and the abhorrent practice of "ethnic cleansing" and demanded an immediate end to all violations of international humanitarian law, the suffering in Bosnia and Herzegovina goes on. People are still getting killed.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)