YouSaid · the spoken record

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

lines on the record: 298
first: 2007-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“It became clear that, with the launching of that operation, the priority of the terrorist organization Kurdish Workers Party, or of the Kurdish Democratic Party, is in not fighting against Da’esh. The operation — or offensive, as some prefer to call it — has also boosted the self-confidence of the moderate Syrian opposition forces. Furthermore, that development has provided encouragement to the local forces in Iraq that are eager to cleanse Mosul of the terror sowed by Da’esh. As those who are present here are probably aware, for a long time I have appealed for the establishment of a safe zone along our border with Syria, which at more than 900 kilometres is the longest border with Syria. Along that border, Turkey has been continuously under threat. We have been extremely patient.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We must not lose any more time in ending the conflict, the terrorism and the environment of persecution, which are the sources of the problem in Syria. We must urgently implement a political settlement process. We attach great importance to protecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have no claims whatsoever on Syrian territory. Syria belongs to the Syrian people. No one should ever have any plans whatsoever with regard to the territory of Syria. Starting with our support for the Syrian opposition, what is known as Operation Euphrates Shield was launched, which is critical to re-establishing stability, peace and prosperity in a region of despair.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Similarly, we expect the United Nations to keep its promises. I hope and pray that the General Assembly at its seventy-first session will loudly convey that message to the rest of the world, because the contributions of the international community should not be limited $512 million s. What is one to think? From this rostrum, I call upon the rest of the world, including my European friends who believe that the Syrian refugees represent a threat and clear danger to them. Barbed wire and high walls will never provide them with the safety, security or peace of mind that they are seeking. That effort is in vain. The problems of the Syrian refugees should be immediately solved once and for all. Otherwise, we will never be able to prevent the irregular migration, social issues and security risks embedded within that problem.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We have been establishing close contacts in solidarity with influential international figures. The Syrians are our neighbours and brothers and sisters. We could not remain silent in the face of such tragedy and carnage. We have never remained silent and never will. Currently, 2.7 million refugees are being housed in our country, along with 300,000 Iraqis. A total number of 3 million refugees have never been subjected to any ethnic or religious discrimination in Turkey. We have opened our arms wide. In addition to the tent and container cities in which we accommodate the refugees in Turkey, we will continue to provide all forms of support commensurate with our capabilities. We expect the EU and all other organizations that have pledged financial support to rise to the occasion. We expect them to keep their promises.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In that process, unfortunately, the international community has failed to live up to its humanitarian values and its collective conscience. To date, Turkey has spent approximately $25 billion on the refugees, including money directed to non-governmental organizations and municipalities. Members might ask: what has Turkey received from the rest of the world? From the United Nations, we have received only $525 million in aid and nothing else. Have we received anything from the European Union (EU)? The EU made certain promises, which have, unfortunately, not been kept. It has allocated $178 million to UNICEF. That is all. Turkey itself has not directly received any aid whatsoever in financial terms. Since the beginning of the conflict, we have claimed that the problem was a common question for the rest of the world.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“For those people, we have had to assume our responsibilities and do what was expected of us. While the West and the rest of the world might not do so, we will continue to welcome them, because we are human beings. In the face of such an atrocity, we are obliged to keep our doors open to all those fleeing tyranny and oppression. We have opened our doors and kept them open. And we will continue to open our doors in the future. The international community has, unfortunately, remained indifferent to the suffering of people in conflict zones. The numbers that we have mentioned correspond to human beings. The Syrian people are in a state of exhaustion in the grip of proxy wars that have been shaped by a cruel Administration, merciless terrorist organizations and global and regional competition.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I would also like to take this opportunity to say that attributions such as “Turkish” or “Turkey” and all other similar labels used by that terrorist organization and the persons associated with it have no relation with Turkey. The humanitarian crisis in Syria has reached its sixth year. To date, 600,000 people have reportedly lost their lives, and, because of the war, 12 million people have had to leave their country, 5 million of whom have taken refuge in other countries. There are now 2.7 million such people in our country. They were forced to leave their homes behind and have been welcomed in Turkey. We have never asked why they ended up in Turkey. Our doors are wide open. We have not shut our doors in their faces, because they were fleeing barrel bombs and fighter jets.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The terrorist organizations work on the premise of a deep-rooted psychological heresy aimed at subduing the whole world far beyond the borders of Turkey. The members are deviant in their actions. The basic strategy of the terrorist organizations is to infiltrate State institutions, influencing society and dominating economic resources under the disguise of education, dialogue, tolerance, non-governmental organizations and the best of intentions. From this rostrum, I would like to call on all our friends to take the necessary measures against the Fethullahist terrorist organization in their own countries in order to protect the future of their own people and their well-being. Based on our experience, it is evident that, if you do not fight against the Fethullahist terrorist organization now, tomorrow may be too late.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“They took a very noble stand. If I am standing here before the Assembly today, it is because of our nation’s brave and noble reaction. It should never be forgotten that the coup attempt in Turkey was aimed at democracy throughout the world as well. Our nation taught a historical lesson to those intending to carry out coup attempts and became a source of inspiration for all nations committed to protecting democracy. The new generation of terrorist organizations poses a security threat, not only for Turkey but also for all 170 countries around the world in which such organizations exist. In other words, today the majority of the countries represented here in the General Assembly are currently under the threat of such clandestine structures.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“That terrorist organization murdered 241 citizens and injured 2,194 people. Our Parliament building, the presidential complex and many security organizations and law-enforcement units were bombed by the terrorist organization, using F-16 fighter jets. Tanks rolled through the streets and over people. Helicopters and military vehicles opened fire on civilians. The coup attempt was successfully repelled by our nation, which heroically preserved its democracy, Government, freedoms and future and the constitutional order. I therefore take pride in my nation’s people, which defeated that heinous coup attempt at the risk of their lives. For a period of 29 days the people never abandoned the city squares of Turkey, remaining on call to protect our democracy. They threw their bodies in the way of tanks so as to repel the coup attempt.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Many problems, from Yemen to Ukraine, are of particular urgency, while peoples in countries throughout the world struggle with hunger, epidemics, poverty and illiteracy. That is the disgraceful side of our world, damaging human dignity and disturbing the human conscience. What is even more distressing is that many of those crises and problems could easily be resolved. Peace, prosperity and security for future generations greatly depend on the steps and measures that we take today. Now is the moment to show leadership with a sense of responsibility in addressing the problems before us decisively. Today, terrorist organizations are able to employ a variety of methods. On the night of 15 July, we in Turkey suffered a malicious coup attempt initiated by the Fethullah terrorist organization, also know as Fethull.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Within the first quarter of the twenty-first century, humankind has reached a peak in achievements in science, technology, economic development and health. However, such brilliance has also a very dark and disgraceful side. In Syria, in Iraq and in many countries suffering in the grip of terrorism and war, hundreds of thousands of women and children, the young and the elderly, are being killed. Refugees fleeing death, tyranny and oppression are, unfortunately, also facing degrading treatment in many European cities. Terrorist organizations, such as Da’esh and the Al-Nusra Front and the Democratic Union Party and Kurdish People’s Protection Units, continue their attacks and actions in the region. There is also great potential for the disputes in the Caucasus region to unfold into a full-fledged conflict.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I greet the General Assembly on behalf of myself, my country and my nation with the utmost respect. I hope the seventy- first session of the General Assembly will succeed in its purposes and will lead to favourable results for all countries and nations. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson on assuming the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-first session, and I thank His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft for his work during his presidency during the previous session, while wishing him luck in his future endeavours. I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon for his valuable contributions as he ends his 10- year tenure as Secretary-General, during which he served in a time of global challenges.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In that context, I should also say that we look to the General Assembly to support Turkey in its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, and we thank the countries that are backing us. To that end, I hope that the sixty-ninth session of the Assembly will begin the work of wiping away the tears, blood, poverty and injustice staining the face of the Earth. I wish the Assembly and its President, Mr. Kutesa, every success, and I would like to convey my country’s sincerest greetings to all the nations represented here.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Turkey would like to see a solution to the problem in Cyprus. We would like to see an end to the occupation of territories in Azerbaijan. We have always voiced our strong support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We stand ready to support regional and global peace at all costs, and we will continue to be a unique friend to our friends. We will always stand firm against terrorists, oppressors and killers, especially the killers of children. We will fight for democracy and prosperity with all our heart and soul. We are always ready to join forces with other countries within the framework of those ideals and on this common path, and that, of course, is the kind of cooperation that humankind is seeking today.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In addition, thanks to the experience we have gained throughout history, we have always maintained our objectivity regarding terrorism, sectarian conflicts and other crises, and we have always based our approach on the defence and protection of people’s rights. I would like to point out here that Turkey is not a country that supports or condones terrorism. We have fought terrorism, because we suffered from it for 30 years, and are still suffering from it. Turkey is also strongly against every kind of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism. I have said myself that anti-Semitism is a crime against humanity, and I may be one of the few political leaders who has so clearly expressed this to the world. Similarly, the whole world should accept that Islamophobia is also a crime against humanity.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Turkey has also taken in 30,000 Yazidis fleeing Iraq, and, just before I came to New York, we opened our borders to Kurds fleeing Syria. It was Turkey who gave them humanitarian aid. In the past five days alone, the number of Syrian refugees entering our country exceeded 150,000. Five hundred years ago, we opened our doors to Jews who had been expelled from Europe. We have always protected the rights of Christians in Europe, and today we are still opening our arms to those in need, regardless of their religion, race or sect. I am proud to say that Turkey allocates 2.1 per cent of its national income to humanitarian aid, and as such has become one of the most generous countries in the world.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As for support from the rest of the world, there has not been much, unfortunately. So far we have spent more than $3.5 billion on the Syrian refugees in our country. Of the roughly 4 million Syrian refugees in the world, 1.5 million are in Turkey, with the rest in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt and other countries. By contrast, I would like to ask what the strong and rich countries of Europe are doing. So far they have sheltered only 130,000 Syrian refugees — 130,00 in all of Europe, while in Turkey alone we have 1.5 million, plus the 2.5 million in the other countries I just mentioned. The crisis in Syria has become a regional and global issue, so much so that it is impossible to remain indifferent to it, whether for political or humanitarian reasons. On top of this, we have treated 102 injured civilians from Gaza in our hospitals.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Turkey has been trying very hard to build peace and prosperity in the region. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country; we respect and support the territorial integrity of every country in the region. Regarding the question of Palestine and Israel, we have been working to try to achieve a two-State solution based on peace and mutual respect. Our sensitivity to this issue is based on the principle that the right to live of every human being is sacred. We have approached the problems in our region on humanitarian and moral grounds alone, heedless of race, religion, sect or interests. Our country is sheltering 1.5 million people who have had to leave Syria, and mostly from our own resources. Let me repeat, 1.5 million refugees are in my country. As the host country, we are providing them with food, medicine and education.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“This silence, desperation and unresponsiveness can no longer continue. We need more efficient and speedy decision-making mechanisms if we are to be able to address global and regional problems. Furthermore, the United Nations should act more courageously in standing up for the right side of the issues. Let me point out another problem. We do not approve of any kind of terrorism that is supposedly carried out in the name of religion, and we believe that such acts are hugely disrespectful to all religions. We strongly condemn tying Islam, which means peace, to terrorism. It is highly offensive that Islam and terror are spoken of together. Similarly, those who call their inhuman acts Islamic are offending the religion of Islam, every other religion, and humankind generally.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Let it be understood that the use of any kind of weapon leading to the deaths of people is a crime, whether by chemical or conventional means. The elected President in Egypt was overthrown by a coup. Thousands of people wanted to defend their electoral choice and were killed. Yet, the United Nations and democratic countries have done nothing but stand by while those events unfolded and the person who conducted the coup was legitimized. If we wish to speak meaningfully of democracy, then we should respect the choice of the people at the ballot box. If, on the other hand, we intend to defend people who come to power via a coup, then I must call into question the whole existence of the United Nations. The United Nations is also unable to take an effective stance in the face of uncontrolled events, such as terrorism and migration in Iraq.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That is, if one country disagrees, then a decision will not be taken or implemented. The United Nations failed to find a solution as more than 2,000 innocent people were killed within only two months in Palestine. In Syria, the United Nations failed to find effective solutions as more than 200,000 people were killed and more than 9 million people were displaced in the past four years. I find it strange that we focus on issues selectively. If 2,000 people are killed by chemical weapons, then we focus on chemical weapons, and we consider the killing of 2,000 people by chemical weapons to be a crime. But what about the killing of 200,000 people by conventional weapons — is that not a crime? I cannot understand such an approach or such a mentality. Let us clarify our thinking.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It is no longer appropriate simply to talk about the issue — we must advance beyond that. Thousands of people are dying while we talk instead of acting. I think, at this point, it is a sad indication of the limits of our sense of responsibility here at the United Nations. We must therefore move forward. We must address these problems at the United Nations without any further delay in order to prevent more deaths of innocent people and arrive at a solution. Let me also say that the world is larger than the five permanent members of the Security Council. The fact that they have rendered the United Nations ineffective, despite the situation in the world, must not be accepted by the global conscience. Otherwise, decisions taken at the United Nations will depend on a single country.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The current crisis in Iraq directly affects the countries in the region, particularly Turkey. Given the newly established Government in Iraq, it is our hope that Iraq will make a fresh start. Turkey will stand by the Iraqi people in their search for peace and stability. Likewise, the Syrian crisis is spilling over the borders of that country. The unresolved issue of half a century — Palestine — is already a root cause of many problems in the region. Implementing a two-State solution, lifting the blockade against Gaza and establishing an independent, viable State of Palestine alongside Israel is a political, human and moral necessity. Many have spoken about a two-State solution from this rostrum. However, speaking about it is not sufficient. It is high time to act.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That feeling of distrust affects the United Nations — where we are today — and other international organizations and threatens the sense of justice, while filling millions of people with despair. That distrust plays a principal role in fuelling the growth of international terrorism today. The double standard with regard to the oppressed and the indifference to the killing of children help to foment terrorism around the world. Those who lose hope in the United Nations and other international organizations are desperate and are helpless to resist the clutches of terrorists. The problems in Iraq have wrought havoc among the Iraqi people. More recently, the difficulties have spread beyond Iraq’s borders. Unfortunately, Iraq has now become a haven for terrorist organizations.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Those objecting to the murders in Iraq and Syria and the murder of democracy in Egypt are again being subjected to certain unfair and groundless accusations and almost immediately accused of supporting terrorism. The global conscience is aware that those who are ruthlessly criticizing some countries for lack of freedom of the press are ignoring the 16 journalists killed in Palestine and the pressure put on members of the media. I will speak very clearly. Those who stand by and remain unresponsive to the killing of children, the vicious murder of women and the overthrow with weapons and tanks of Governments that have come to power through the will of the people are openly participating in those crimes against humanity. Even more significant, the modern world’s double standard leads to substantial and serious distrust among many people.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As a result of the war in Syria, 17,000 children have died, 375,000 have been injured, and 19,000 have lost at least one body part. This year 490 children were killed and 3,000 were injured as direct targets of the most modern and murderous weapons used against the Gaza Strip in Palestine. As they played on a beach, ran around in a park, took refuge in a mosque or school, or were comforted in their mothers’ laps, they were mercilessly killed in front of cameras and before the eyes of the world. We also see that those attempting to draw the world’s attention to the deaths of women, children and the disabled in Palestine are being variously labelled by others.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“People still die from hunger and communicable diseases in the twenty-first century. Children and women are brutally murdered in wars. The poor countries struggle with hunger, malnutrition, communicable diseases and lack of education, while the rich countries of the world enjoy prosperity. Climate change poses a major threat to the future of our world and that of our children. That situation, which is a stain on human dignity, directly concerns all of humankind and therefore, of course, the United Nations. Let me again, at this sixty-ninth session, stress that no one is innocent in a world in which children are killed, no one is safe, and no one can enjoy peace and prosperity. In the past year alone, 6.3 million children under five years of age lost their lives worldwide.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I greet the Assembly respectfully, and I hope that its sixty- ninth session will provide favourable results for all countries, peoples and humankind. I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as the President of the Assembly at its sixty-ninth session and to thank Mr. John William Ashe for his work as President at the sixty-eighth session. The sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly is being held on the hundredth anniversary of the First World War, which broke out in 1914. We sadly see that lands affected by the First World War are still deprived of stability, peace and prosperity even after a century. A wide area — ranging from Iraq to Syria, from Palestine to Yemen, from Libya to Afghanistan and to Ukraine — is witnessing scenes that leave deep scars on the conscience of humankind.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As part of that package, which includes many areas of cooperation ranging from trade to education and agriculture to energy, we intend to provide the least developed countries with annual assistance of $200 million. We also envisage increasing our direct investments in these countries to $5 billion and $12 billion by 2015 and 2020, respectively. We consider security, development and respect for human rights to be integral parts of the same whole. Together, they constitute the most fundamental guarantee of lasting peace. Turkey will continue to work towards the attainment of these fundamental objectives of the United Nations and make every effort to leave future generations a safer and more prosperous world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In this regard, I to take this opportunity to reaffirm that we count on the support of all the Members of the General Assembly for Turkey’s candidacy to a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the term 2015-2016. As yet another manifestation of our support for the goals of the United Nations, we are also determined to pursue the Istanbul Programme of Action adopted at the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, which Turkey hosted early this year. We are also continuing our efforts to implement as soon as possible the announced package of economic and technical cooperation for the least developed countries.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“All of us bear political and moral responsibility for resolving international problems before they lead to stalemates. In that respect, more effective efforts must be made to peacefully resolve the Kashmir conflict and many other frozen disputes, which I will not enumerate here. Conversely, peace and stability in the Balkans can be achieved with the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Turkey has always been a staunch supporter of the principles and goals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. I believe that we showed our commitment in that respect during our tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2009-2010. I also believe that our effective performance at that time attests to what we intend to do if re-elected to the Security Council for 2015-2016.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In the face of these unilateral activities of the Greek Cypriot side, which appear to be aimed at provoking a crisis, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will act with common sense, but also will resolutely protect their rights under international law. At this point, we expect all concerned parties to work actively to ensure that the Greek Cypriot Administration halts these activities, which could lead to tension, not only on the Island, but also throughout the region. Otherwise, we will do whatever is necessary. The illegitimate occupation of Azerbaijani territories, which has been ongoing for many years, must come to an end. It is unacceptable to allow the Nagorny Karabakh conflict to remain unresolved to the extent that it is today.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Turkey will 11-50865 34 continue to provide all necessary support so as to reach a solution as soon as possible, in line with that timetable. I wish to emphasize, however, that if the intransigent attitude of the Greek Cypriot side does not permit this to happen, as a guarantor country we will not let the future of the Turkish Cypriots remain uncertain forever. Moreover, at this critical juncture, we cannot accept any attempt by the Greek Cypriot side to act as if it were the sole representative of the Island or had the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots. In that regard, the attempts of the Greek Cypriot side to unilaterally determine maritime jurisdiction areas and to engage in exploration activities in oil and natural gas fields are extremely irresponsible in terms of both timing and possible outcomes.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The United Nations plan put forward in 2004 demonstrated that the parameters of a solution are there, but that the Greek Cypriot side lacks the necessary will to make it a reality. The Turkish Cypriot side, however, has still not been freed from the isolation imposed upon it, even though it has always expressed its full determination to find a solution. Nevertheless, the Turkish Cypriot side has remained committed to a peaceful solution and has participated with goodwill in the negotiations resumed under United Nations auspices. The objective is to finalize the negotiations by the end of this year and have the settlement plan endorsed in simultaneous referendums early next year, thus enabling a united new Cyprus to take its place in the European Union without further delay.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“First, Libya and its resources belong to the Libyans. As democracy is established in Libya, it is very important that the country’s frozen assets abroad be released immediately so that Libya can stand on its own two feet. We want to ensure that the Libyans have the resources they really need. Currently, the country has $170 billion in assets abroad, but the people cannot benefit from them. In that regard, it is essential to implement resolution 2009 (2011). The Libyan people can determine their own future and we must respect their choices. A fair, comprehensive and lasting solution must be found to the long-standing problem in Cyprus, which has persisted for more than half a century.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In that regard, we are increasing our cooperation with Tunisia and Egypt. In Libya, Turkey has supported the National Transitional Council from the very beginning. We are very proud to announce that we were the first country to restore its Ambassador to Libya. We will continue to staunchly support the new Libya as it resumes its well-deserved place in the United Nations as a democratic, united and independent State. During my visit to Libya last week, I went to Tripoli, Tajura, Misurata and Benghazi, holding meetings in all four cities. I met and spoke with the people. I saw and sensed the righteous pride of the Libyan people in their revolution. I also witnessed the destruction in Misurata. I believe that the international community must be very sensitive to certain issues in terms of Libya.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We have always spoken the truth, because we believe that friends always speak the truth, no matter how bitter. We have always stated that the voices, demands and wishes of the people must be heard. We have said that persecution and oppression cannot generate prosperity. We must listen to the call of the people for democracy, not point guns at them. Unfortunately, the Syrian leadership has persistently ignored our warnings. Now, every drop of blood spilled in the country only widens and deepens the divide between the people and the administration of Syria. Turkey will continue to support the legitimate and democratic demands of the people of Syria and elsewhere, and to call on regimes to respect the wishes and expectations of their people. We expect the international community to do the same.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We are very pleased to see that our calls have been heeded in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya and have paved the way for democratic transformation and transition on the basis of the legitimate demands of the people in those countries. This gives us hope for the future. We observe with regret, however, that some countries continue to stay behind the curve of events and react with misguided reflexes owing to their outdated state of mind. In that context, we are very closely following the developments unfolding in Syria, which is our neighbour and therefore very important to Turkey. The current situation in Syria gives us great cause for concern. The actions of the Government are unacceptable and we have warned the Syrian leadership many times to that effect. We share a 910-kilometre border. We have ties and relatives on both sides of the border.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We have also said that sovereignty derives from the will of the people. Any sovereignty that does not rest on the will of the people is not legitimate. Sovereignty does not allow any leader or any regime to repress its own people or kill innocent civilians. A regime that points guns at its own people can have no sovereignty or legitimacy. Today, everyone must understand that times have changed. The era of Governments that do not meet the legitimate needs and expectations of their people and of administrations that oppress and repress their people and fail to give the highest priority to justice has come to an end. This was the call we made.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In fact, we have had very constructive relations with previous Israeli Governments, making great strides in a number of areas. Currently, the source of tension is solely the Israeli Government. Turkey is a country that is trustworthy in the international arena and whose friendship and cooperation are sought. We will not abandon this principled and determined policy. We are witnessing a historic process of transformation and change in the Middle East. From the very first day when these events began, we appealed to all administrations in the region to lend an ear to the calls of their people for democracy. The 33 11-50865 ultimate source of legitimacy for every Government is, above all, the people and its will. What needs to be done is to ensure that the people’s will is realized in a free and open manner.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Turkey has never pursued hostile and confrontational policies against any State. Our foreign policy is based on the principles of friendship and cooperation. Our policy towards Israel is no exception to these principles. However, Israel has seriously wronged a country and its people who have through history shown great friendship to it and its people. What we demand of Israel is clear. Israel must apologize, pay compensation to the families of our martyrs and lift the blockade on Gaza. Until Israel meets these demands and takes steps in this direction, our position will not change. Let me also emphasize from this rostrum that we do not have a problem with the people of Israel. Our problem arises from the aggressive policies of the current Israeli Government.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Turkey will continue to work actively in the Middle East to ensure peace. We stand ready to do so. Accordingly, we will continue to work actively for the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the recognition of the State of Palestine, the achievement of unity among Palestinians, and the lifting of the illegal blockade enforced against the people of Gaza. This commitment is a natural extension of our vision for regional peace and stability and our commitment to international law and justice. It is also the result of the responsibility we feel in this area. Similarly, when a humanitarian aid convoy of participants from 33 countries was attacked by air and sea in international waters, resulting in the deaths of nine innocent civilians, we could not remain silent. Our reaction to Israel was a manifestation of our conviction.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“If we, as the international community, believe that the ideal of establishing international peace and security is the founding principle of the United Nations, then it is time pressure Israel to achieve peace, despite the actions of its leaders, and to show it clearly that it is not above the law. One of the most important steps that need to be taken in this regard is responding to the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people to be recognized as a State and to have the representatives of the State of Palestine take their well-deserved place in this Assembly as a Member of the United Nations. Indeed, in 1947 the United Nations, through resolution 181 (II), declared Palestine a State, but unfortunately that resolution was not implemented. Turkey’s support for the recognition of the State of Palestine is unconditional.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Loopholes in the United Nations system and lobbies in some countries may give Israel the opportunity to evade international law and justice as it pursues its illegitimate actions. However, that will not ensure — and I say this with emphasis — the security that Israel needs today. Those who govern Israel must see that real security is possible only by building real peace. I would like once again to remind Israel from this rostrum that nothing can substitute for peace. What we face today is not a simple equation of peace for security. Israel must read the newly flourishing political and social landscape in the Middle East and understand that it will no longer be possible to carry on in environment of continuous strife and conflict.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Once again, it is Israel that does not abide by international will. In this context, the illegal settlements that are still being established in the occupied territories of Palestine, despite the calls of the international community to stop, as well as the blockade on Gaza, stand out in particular. I ask the Assembly; Does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights allow for a country, society or people to be cut off from international justice? In my copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I do not see such a possibility. If you want to send a box of tomatoes to Palestine, you must get permission from Israel, and I do not think that is humane. As I have stated before, those who govern Israel must make a choice.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Therefore, it cannot remain unresolved; the international community must act urgently to heal this bleeding wound. Israel readily uses phosphate bombs and possesses the atom bomb, and has endured no sanctions. But if even the hint of such a possibility emerges elsewhere in the region, efforts are made to suppress it. I ask whether that is fair and just. To be frank, the problem in this context is caused by the Israeli Government. Those who govern the country take steps every day that, instead of paving the way for peace, build new barriers to it. Thus, it is the Palestinian territories that are under occupation, not Israeli territory. It is a contradiction of history to say that it the occupied lands are Israeli territory. It is Palestinian territory that is under occupation. It is 11-50865 32 Israel that uses disproportionate force.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In addition, there are hundreds of resolutions adopted by the General Assembly — this very body — that Israel has ignored. Even more regrettable is the fact that the United Nations has been helpless to take a single step to end the human tragedy suffered by the Palestinian people. Therefore, I must ask is whether the United Nations will fail to implement the sanctions it has imposed on other countries just as it has failed to implement its resolutions concerning Israel. Will the United Nations assiduously follow through on the resolutions it has taken with regard to other places, for example, the Sudan? We really do need to look at ourselves in the mirror. This situation causes great indignation in the international community in general.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“For us, the United Nations symbolizes the ideal that international law and justice shall prevail over sheer force and oppression, that peace shall prevail over conflict, and that the conscience of humanity shall prevail over narrow self-interest and political equilibrium. That is what I understand the United Nations to be. The greatest impediment to the realization of this ideal is the Arab-Israel conflict, which has been ongoing for more than half a century. The fact that this problem is still not resolved and that rights, law and justice have been sacrificed for the sake of political balance is the greatest blow to the our sense of international justice. To date, Israel has not complied with — and I emphasize this number — 89 binding resolutions of the Security Council.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As Somalia resumes its well-deserved place within the international community, the world will become a safer and more stable place. It is precisely this understanding that lies at the heart of Turkey’s determined efforts to help Somalia. We are making every attempt to implement infrastructure investments that will enable Somalia to stand on its feet, and working unrelentingly to help establish an environment of political stability and peace conducive to sustainable development. We are doing this solely because it is our humanitarian responsibility, and with no other motive. It is our greatest hope that the leadership demonstrated by Turkey in this area will set an example for the entire international community.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)