YouSaid · the spoken record

Ilkin

lines on the record: 165
first: 2005-02-17
most recent: 2009-05-29
sittings or episodes: 30
sources: un-security-council

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

“I first wish to thank Under- Secretary-General John Holmes for his comprehensive briefing. I would also like to express my appreciation to the entire team of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for their valuable assistance in updating the aide-memoire that we expect to adopt today on issues pertaining the protection of civilians in armed conflict. It has been more than five years since we last revised the aide-memoire, in 2003 (S/PRST/2003/27, annex). Since then, the substance of the matter has not changed much, except that it has become more compelling for the international community to act in unison with a view to protecting civilians in an increasingly volatile security environment.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“That is why Turkey is a regular contributor to UNHCR's main budget and its various programmes, ranging from the Middle East to Africa. Here, I would like to assure the High Commissioner once again of Turkey's continued support to the activities of UNHCR, as well as our firm determination to support all international efforts aimed at improving the lives of displaced people worldwide.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“In this regard, we join in the High Commissioner's strong appeal to the international community and all humanitarian actors to support UNRWA, The situation in Gaza is indeed tragic and totally unacceptable, and requires immediate action on the part of the United Nations and the Security Council. That brings me to my final point, which is the importance of providing the necessary resources to UNHCR. Indeed, reliability and continuity in donor contributions constitute a major element of our efforts to address the refugee problem. Without such commitment on the part of the international community, we cannot expect organizations like UNHCR to deliver what is expected of them. And without an effective UNHCR, we cannot expect to fulfil our responsibilities in maintaining global peace and security.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Although this time it is mainly Syria and Jordan that have taken the brunt of the refugee flow, Turkey also hosts a considerable number of Iraqi refugees. Despite recent improvements in the security conditions prevailing in Iraq, the refugee problem is still a serious one and requires continued international support. In this regard, we would like to commend the work done by UNHCR from the very early stages of the crisis and reiterate our pledge to continue to support UNHCR's Iraq programme. Likewise, we also highly appreciate UNHCR's latest efforts with respect to the situation in Gaza and in support of its sister organization, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Throughout history, the Turkish people have always welcomed, extended a helping hand and provided safe haven to people who have fled oppression and violence. For instance, in the not-too- distant past, Turkey hosted vast numbers of refugees fleeing from either the wars in the Balkans or the repression of the former Iraqi regime. I am sure that many here will recall the time when we provided shelter and protection to more than 500,000 Iraqis during the first Gulf War. It was a daunting responsibility which we had to shoulder without sufficient international support at that time. But, in the end, we managed to perform a successful operation. Unfortunately, Iraq today is again faced with a serious displacement crisis.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Yes, UNHCR is playing a leading role in this field, but it deserves the support of everyone concerned, including that of the Security Council. And, on this point, the question that needs to be answered is how the Security Council can further support the work of UNHCR. This is indeed very important to us, as Turkey is deeply committed to supporting the efforts and activities of the Organization. And I have to underline that this is not merely a humanitarian consideration for Turkey; far more than that, it represents a hard-core reality for us, given our close proximity to areas of conflict in the Middle East, the Balkans and the Caucasus, producing high number of refugees in and around our country.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Unfortunately, the current security environment and the evolving security challenges of our time are not helping us to bring down the number of refugees. On the contrary, the overall number of refugees, together with other populations of interest to UNHCR, has risen dramatically in recent years. That development, which is an outcome of worsening security conditions in many parts of the world, has now become a security problem in itself. Indeed, there are now around 67 million forcibly displaced people in the world, giving rise to much bigger challenges for the countries involved, as well as for UNHCR. That said, it is obvious that no single international organization or individual country can cope with a problem of this magnitude. International cooperation and solidarity are imperative.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“I wish to join previous speakers in welcoming and thanking High Commissioner Antonio Guterres for his comprehensive and thought-provoking briefing. I would first like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the High Commissioner and the entire staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for their hard work. Their dedication to improving the lives of millions of refugees is most commendable. It is our firm opinion that the work of UNHCR is an essential element of our collective efforts to maintain international peace and security. Thus, we very much welcome the opportunity to engage with the High Commissioner. In this regard, I listened very carefully to his briefing.”
2009-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6062 (2009) · source
“Ahtisaari, that "All conflicts can be settled, and there are no excuses for allowing them to be eternal". A permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is indeed long overdue and should be within reach. With that belief, Turkey will continue to work for a comprehensive peace based on a two-State settlement and to contribute to the stability, security and prosperity of the region.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For their part, the Israeli people should be able to feel secure and confident about a stable and peaceful future, free from threats. Thus, the security concerns of Israel must be addressed. We all know that the problems of the region are interlinked. Therefore what is needed is a comprehensive peace. It is with that understanding that we welcome the proximity talks between Israel and Syria and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria, as well as the tangible developments in Lebanon in the implementation of Doha Agreement. We believe that the people of Lebanon will further promote and carry forward the recent positive developments in their country. We also hope and expect the resumption of the indirect talks between Israel and Syria after the elections in Israel. We agree with the Nobel Prize laureate, Mr.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In order to maintain the momentum in the Israeli-Palestinian track at this critical juncture, neither party should take any action that might undermine the peace process and prejudice the final-status negotiations. In that respect, the Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem must end. The construction of the separation wall must be stopped. The daily difficulties experienced by Palestinians at checkpoints and roadblocks must be eased. Immediate steps must be taken to halt the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Palestinian people should be able to feel that what the future has in store for them is a better, brighter and dignified life. The Palestinian people should also be able to put an end to their internal divisions.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The objective set at Annapolis - to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty by the end of this year - appears unlikely to be 08-6603] achieved. Yet, we should welcome the parties' determination to continue the negotiations. Permanent peace can be achieved only through direct and intensive negotiations. It is with that thought in mind that Turkey welcomes Security Council resolution 1850 (2008), as it underlines the irreversibility of the Annapolis process and the significance of the Arab Peace Initiative. The resolution also recommits the parties to their previously agreed obligations. That, we believe, is of particular importance, since the situation on the ground will have a direct impact on the success of the process.”
2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In the light of our upcoming membership, we are also looking forward to actively and constructively participating in the counter-terrorism activities of the Security Council in the next two years by sharing our experiences and best practices on this matter. Before concluding, allow me to briefly mention the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, which was launched in 2005 by the Secretary-General under the sponsorship of Turkey and Spain. The initiative, which is aimed at building bridges among diverse cultures and religions through our common values and ideals, could in fact be one of the most effective ways of dealing with all forms of extremism, including terrorism. Finally, we thank you once again, Mr. President, for convening this meeting.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“That said, we need to work on developing a global monitoring mechanism that would not only identify threats and perpetrators in clear terms, but also highlight the weak and strong aspects of our implementation of the resolutions and agreements that we collectively underwrite. It is only through such central and effective monitoring and follow-up mechanisms that we will be able to fulfil our commitments and encourage tangible and substantive cooperation among Member States in a way that can create a synergy of efforts. Turkey, as an advocate of strong international cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism, is ready and willing to contribute to all efforts to that end.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that context, we note with appreciation certain steps taken, such as the recently introduced Preliminary Implementation Assessment mechanism, which is expected to identify areas in which countries need to take additional measures for the full and efficient implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). We also welcome the completion of the general survey of the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) by the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and we are looking forward to having the draft technical implementation guide that the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate is currently preparing. We hope that those initial steps will pave the way for the United Nations to play a more regulatory and guiding role in steering our counter-terrorism efforts.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In the area of norm-setting, for instance, we ought to finalize, without further delay, our work on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and present the international community with a comprehensive instrument that would further strengthen our efforts to combat terrorism. As regards capacity-building, on the other hand, the United Nations should continue to strengthen the facilitation of technical assistance aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Member States in the fight against terrorism. We must help those countries that are willing to shoulder their counter-terrorism obligations but lack the necessary resources and expertise to do so.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It once again underlined the fact that it is only through a coherent, consistent and resolute stance on the part of the international community that we can gain the upper hand against this scourge. We therefore hope that our debate today not only will send a strong message confirming our determination and unity in the fight against terrorism, but also can identify ways and means to further strengthen the central role of the United Nations in global counter- terrorism efforts. In fact, this Organization has already made some significant contributions to global counter-terrorism efforts, primarily through norm-setting and capacity- building. We commend those endeavours. However, we can by no means consider our mission accomplished.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“And that is why we see each and every discussion on this issue, including today's debate, as useful in helping us to better understand various national and regional perspectives so as to find common ground for joint and more effective responses. In that regard, I would like to add my voice to those of previous speakers in strongly condemning all acts and practices of terrorism. Terrorism is a crime against humanity, and it can never be justified under any pretext, regardless of its motivations and objectives. The recent heinous terrorist attack in the city of Mumbai underscored once again the importance of a firm commitment on the part of the international community to effectively combat and eradicate terrorism. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, who were targets of that monstrous crime against humanity.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the outset, I wish to thank Croatia for taking the initiative to organize this open debate on such an important issue. I would also like to thank His Excellency the President of Croatia for presiding over this morning's part of our meeting. In fact, terrorism is already one of the most discussed topics at the United Nations. There is every reason for that, since terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Indeed, it concerns all nations, large and small, and it takes its toll on human beings of every age, culture, religion and nationality. In other words, we all are vulnerable to this global scourge. Thus, it requires a firm and united response by all Member States.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the 12 June Paris Conference, the Turkish Government allocated another $100 million for economic development and reconstruction, to be disbursed in the next three years. That doubles our total commitment to $200 million. Assisting the international efforts to build a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is one of the high-ranking items on Turkey's foreign policy agenda. We will certainly continue to support Afghanistan in every way we can, through international mechanisms and bilaterally.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“The recent upsurge in terrorist activities has again shown us that, if not properly checked, those subversive operations have the potential to derail all our achievements in Afghanistan. There is no doubt that the Afghan security forces should be the ones in the forefront of the efforts to combat terrorism. However, the complexity of the threat necessitates a holistic and coordinated regional approach, as the threat has unfortunately a strong chance of spilling over into the wider region. We strongly believe that our Afghan and Pakistani brothers should further increase their collaboration to curb that scourge. Turkey's commitment to Afghanistan is a long- standing one. Turkey has already made extensive and concrete contributions to security and economic development in Afghanistan.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“We believe the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has an important coordinating role to play in that regard. We fully concur with the Secretary-General's reflections on the priority areas and his recommendations contained in the report. In that context, I would like to place special emphasis on the need to enhance the capabilities of UNAMA. The international community's resolve and commitment should also be fully reflected by structurally reinforcing the mission in a rapid fashion. The terms "security" and "prosperity" are inseparable and complementary. In the case of Afghanistan, the security situation might easily become a stumbling block in our joint efforts to bring about a bright future there.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“The Secretary-General's latest report (S/2008/434) makes it clear that if the Afghan people are to continue reaping the benefits of achievements, there needs to be a stronger United Nations presence in the country and a closer partnership among the Afghan Government, the United Nations, NATO and the rest of the international community under Afghan ownership and leadership. To enhance the sense of ownership, we also need to make the Afghan people see the positive developments which have already started to improve their daily lives. The successful implementation of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy will pave the way for attaining the goals set out in the Afghanistan Compact. In that arduous task, the international community must be ever more active, resourceful and forthcoming in supporting the efforts of the Afghan Government.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“Although Turkey has already aligned itself with the European Union statement, I still would like to touch upon some issues that deserve particular attention. The recent Paris Conference marked the renewal of our long-term commitment to Afghanistan while firmly underscoring the priority areas designed to ensure better and safer living standards for our Afghan brothers and sisters. Much has indeed been achieved in Afghanistan to date, yet more remains to be done. And we all know that there is no quick fix for the mostly structural problems stemming from the devastation of the past.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“With the ongoing growth in size and complexity of United Nations operations, we believe that we may consider undertaking a comprehensive review of the capabilities and needs of the police component at United Nations Headquarters. In that respect, we equally welcome the establishment of the Standing Police Capacity. As for the issue of rapid and flexible funding, I believe the Peacebuilding Fund sets a good example. Contributions have exceeded the envisaged target of $250 million. That shows the international community's trust and faith in the success of the Peacebuilding Commission. Turkey has already made a contribution to the Peacebuilding Fund without any caveat. Turkey will continue to support the enhancement of the peacebuilding efforts of the United Nations in every possible way.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“One must therefore consider them all together. It is crucial that the vast network of actors operate effectively and coherently. Every country could try to contribute to the process according to its own resources and expertise. That is how we approach the issue. Cognizant of that wide framework, Turkey is currently focusing on the security dimension of the peacebuilding process and attaches particular importance to the civilian police component of United Nations missions. That is mainly because the demand for United Nations civilian police in post-conflict situations has grown tremendously. At present, Turkey is the eleventh largest police contributor, with hundreds of police officers serving in 10 different United Nations missions. We intend to further increase that contribution.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“There is a fine and delicate line between peacekeeping and peacebuilding and between peacebuilding and possible relapse. Failure is inevitable if peace is not supported from day one. Relapsing into conflict poses an even greater threat. Tangible results can only be achieved if security considerations and needs are addressed at a very early stage in post-conflict situations. Failure to build national security institutions can lead to the failure in the peacebuilding process. We have seen that happen in a number of countries in the post-conflict era. Of course, peacebuilding is not only confined to the security dimension. Simultaneous progress in all the dimensions of peacebuilding is absolutely necessary. Good governance, human rights and capacity-building in all sectors are all part and parcel of the process.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that regard, we welcomed the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission, which we believe effectively fills an institutional gap within the United Nations system in terms of post-conflict management. The achievements of the Peacebuilding Commission so far in Burundi, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau are encouraging. We think that the long-term role and capacity of the Peacebuilding Commission should be fostered to enable it to include more post-conflict cases on its agenda. But that does not in any way absolve the States concerned from their responsibilities to work to build peace in their own countries. The ownership of peacebuilding belongs first and foremost to the country concerned itself. Experience has shown that it is much easier to win a war than to win the peace.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Allow me to start by reiterating our profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences for the loss of a great number of lives following the natural disasters in the People's Republic of China and Myanmar. We wish the injured a speedy and full recovery. I would also like to join previous speakers in commending the United Kingdom's presidency for organizing today's meeting on post-conflict peacebuilding. My delegation associates itself with the statement made by Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. I would like, however, to make a few remarks about Turkey's approach to the subject. Turkey has always been a staunch supporter of United Nations peacebuilding efforts.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Living in a peaceful and secure world is a goal shared by all Member States of the United Nations, and this goal can only be achieved through determined international cooperation to eradicate the scourge of terrorism. Before concluding my remarks, I also wish to extend our congratulations to the new Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, His Excellency Mr. Neven Jurica, and to the new Executive Director of CTED, Mr. Mike Smith, and reiterate that we will lend them all the support that is needed.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“On the other hand, intensified dialogue between the Member States and the United Nations could also help detect some of the shortfalls in the fight against terrorism. It is with this understanding we accepted the offer by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to visit Turkey last year. We hope and expect that CTED will be able to visit other countries that have become targets or safe havens for terrorists. Finally, mutual legal assistance and full respect for the obligation to extradite or prosecute set the framework of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we welcome the creation of technical groups, as indicated in the revised organizational plan for CTED, which will be dealing, inter alia, with general legal issues such as extradition and mutual legal assistance.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“That can be achieved only by ensuring that terrorists are brought to justice, that punishment envisaged in domestic laws duly reflects the seriousness of terrorist acts and that refugee status is not abused by terrorists. The resolution indeed highlights the necessity for increased international cooperation. We strongly believe that resolution 1373 (2001) provides a firm basis for a coordinated and united response to terrorism. However, the resolution can yield the desired results only if it is implemented by all Member States to the fullest extent. In this regard, we hope that the recently introduced preliminary implementation assessment mechanism, which is expected to identify the areas where countries need to take additional measures, will improve the implementation of that important resolution.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“At this point, I would like to refer to Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), which calls upon Member States to work together to suppress and prevent terrorist acts through increased cooperation. I do not want to go into the details of that landmark resolution, but allow me to underline some its provisions that deserve particular attention as to the need for international cooperation. First, denial of safe haven to terrorists is one of the fundamental obligations set out in that resolution, and it certainly requires a more advanced level of cooperation among the interested countries. Secondly, the responsibility to end impunity for terrorists is also an essential element of the resolution.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Turkey aligns itself with the statement that will be made on behalf of the European Union. Given the importance we attach to this agenda item, I wish to make a few remarks from the national point of view. Turkey, as a country that has suffered from terrorism for more than 20 years, has been at the forefront of efforts to eradicate this scourge. However, terrorism is not a phenomenon peculiar to a certain country or a certain region. Tragic events around the globe have proven that no country or region can consider itself immune from terrorism. Hence, the fight against terrorism should be a priority for all. Likewise, one of the most important prerequisites of the success in this fight is international cooperation.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Before concluding, I should like to reiterate Turkey's strong commitment to Afghanistan's stability, security and prosperity. As one Afghan diplomat once told me, Turkey is the closest neighbour ofAfghanistan without common borders. Therefore, we are resolved to act in keeping with the responsibilities of that privileged status.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that challenging endeavour, Turkey will lend it every support. In fact, Turkey has already made extensive contributions to security and development in Afghanistan, as evidenced by, among other things, our significant support for the International Security Assistance Force and sizeable reconstruction assistance, rendered mainly through our Provincial Reconstruction Team in Vardak, and we will continue our efforts unrelentingly by exploring every opportunity. To that end, and to give just one example, we are now providing emergency humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people hard hit by severe winter conditions. Moreover, we are also determined to take forward the trilateral cooperation process that we spearheaded between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At this critical stage, there is no doubt that the United Nations has a key role to play in leading the efforts of the international community. Here again, we are in full agreement with the priority areas identified in the Secretary-General's report. In particular, the need for enhanced coordination and political outreach remains essential to the success of that approach. We hope that the Security Council resolution to be adopted next week to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will reflect those very pertinent points. I take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kai Eide. We are confident that, under his able leadership, UNAMA will effectively deliver what is expected of it.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“To understand those challenges, one need look nowhere else than the Secretary-General's recent report. We fully agree not only with the observations set out in the report, but also with its recommendations, in particular as to the need for a common approach that integrates security, governance, the rule of law, human rights and social and economic development. For that, there needs to be a strong partnership between the Afghan Government, the United Nations, NATO and the rest of the international community under strict Afghan ownership and leadership. Also, the Afghanistan National Development Strategy and the Afghanistan Compact should continue to be the foundations of our efforts. We should now be able to carry on with a robust and effective implementation phase.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that regard, we should not allow ourselves to be carried away by events and incidents of the day, but should be able to see the general trends because, although they may be modest, it is those positive trends in many areas, ranging from education to healthcare, that contain elements enabling us to look forward to a bright future for Afghanistan. Having said all that, can we then just be content with the way we are proceeding? Of course we cannot. There is certainly no room for complacency. On the contrary, because of the very reasons I just mentioned, we must be ever more determined, active and vigilant. The challenges facing us are tremendous and a setback in any one of them could deal a serious blow to our collective efforts to bring about stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“That is extremely important because those who want to take Afghanistan back to its dark days aspire to do so mainly by weakening our resolve. They are hoping that the international community will tire itself out and eventually abandon Afghanistan to its fate. Allowing that to happen would be a disaster, especially when one considers that Afghanistan is one of the top priorities for the entire international community. Indeed, a failure there would be seen as the failure of everything we stand for everywhere.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Turkey has already aligned itself with the European Union statement. Therefore, I will refer to a few issues that, in our opinion, deserve particular attention. First and foremost, we all have to remind ourselves that we are not failing in Afghanistan. Yes, we are not yet Where we would like to be, and it is obvious that fully achieving our objectives will take longer than we initially expected, but that does not mean that we are on the losing side. After all, we are talking about a country that has been devastated by violent wars for decades. No one should expect a fast and easy recovery. What is important is to be able to remain committed and to take up with full determination every challenge and opportunity as it presents itself.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We have also responded to international calls for the recovery and reconstruction of Lebanon, and have pledged a total of $50 million in the form of donations. Given its historical and cultural bonds with the brotherly countries of the Middle East, Turkey is determined to continue to contribute to and facilitate the regional and international efforts for the realization of the long-desired peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We wish to see the reconciliation of differences through a political dialogue in which common interests in Lebanon become the top priority for each and every Lebanese. Given today's regional and global trends, Turkey believes that the preservation of the unique and exemplary socio-political structure of Lebanon is of paramount importance. Let me underline once again that Turkey supports the sovereignty, political unity and stability of Lebanon; that support is amply displayed by its contributions to the enhanced United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as to the Maritime Task Force of that Mission. Furthermore, Turkey has opened its seaports and airfields for the use of friendly and ally countries to ease access to Lebanon through UNIFIL.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In this regard, any comprehensive settlement must take into consideration the relevant United Nations resolutions and the principle of land for peace, as well as the Arab peace plan. Unfortunately, the Israel-Lebanon war of last summer has set back the efforts of Lebanon to heal and rebuild itself. On the other hand, we think that Lebanon could make a strong leap forward and achieve stability if resolution 1701 (2006) were to be fully implemented. Certainly, in this framework, the normalization of relations between Lebanon and its neighbours would also be vitally important. We condemn very strongly the two explosions near Beirut today, which led to the loss of lives. We are of the view that the collective energy of the Lebanese should be channelled for the rebuilding of their country.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In the case of the most recent incident, it was right that Israel finally halted its construction work around Al-Haram Al-Sharif. Yet we understand that the excavation is unfortunately still continuing. We urge Israel to act with the utmost caution and consideration, and to assume policies which reflect high regard for the religious sensitivities of the Muslims. The Quartet statement of 2 February, announcing a re-energized approach and a commitment to engage with the parties, has been a step in the right direction. In line with this approach, we believe that regional efforts which support and complement the work of the Quartet would be of great value and importance as well. Turkey is also of the opinion that the Syrian and Lebanese tracks should not be overlooked.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We hope that the new Palestinian government will be established on a political platform that embraces the Quartet principles and meets the expectations of not only the Palestinians, but the international community as well. In the Middle East peace process, we believe that a constructive approach with a view to initiating the final status negotiations can be within our reach. However, as the two parties consider the steps necessary to build mutual confidence, they should also refrain from actions that might lead to new tensions and crises. In this respect, we reaffirm our stance against terrorism and condemn all acts of terrorism and violence targeting innocent people. At the same time, we urge all parties to consider and implement constructive, rather than divisive, policies.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629Resumption1 (2007) · source
“As Turkey has aligned itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Germany on behalf of the European Union, I will underline just a few points which we deem to be of critical importance at this juncture in the Middle East. The events in the region once again depict a grim reality for the international community. The complex webs of issues in the region are certainly more interconnected and entangled than ever. The Middle East peace process continues to be stalled. The recent internal strife in Palestine and Lebanon has further complicated the situation and caused it to deteriorate. With respect to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, there is an absolute need for the realization of the vision of two States Without further delay. We welcome the recent agreement to form a Palestinian national unity government. This is a must.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Unilateral steps and arrangements and the use of force are no substitutes for a comprehensive settlement. For decades, Turkey has provided substantial assistance to Palestinians. In the light of recent events, that assistance will continue unabated. Turkey is also prepared to contribute to the efforts to bring relief to the suffering Lebanese people. Both peoples need the full solidarity and support of the international community. What is happening in the region, if not stopped immediately, will go down in history as a most regrettable episode for all of humankind.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The relevant parties should immediately start to work on putting in place the elements that could form the political basis of a lasting ceasefire, as stressed by the Secretary-General. The countries in the region, as well as the international community, have a moral duty to create a positive atmosphere towards that end and to prevent the region from falling victim to violence, misery and desperation. We must ensure that common sense and moderation prevail in the Middle East. On the other hand, we should all agree that the root cause of what we are witnessing is the continuation of the Middle East problem. Until and unless a just, equitable and lasting solution is found to the problem, there can be no permanent peace and security in the region.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We cannot allow the destruction of Lebanon or of the hopes of Palestinians for a viable State. What is currently taking place in the region goes far beyond self-defence and in the long-run will not serve the interests of Israel. Furthermore, by fomenting negative sentiments, it damages prospects for dialogue and reconciliation, which are at the heart of the two-State solution. We call on all parties to act with the utmost restraint. In order to stop civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, the first thing that needs to be done is to achieve a ceasefire. At the same time, the three abducted soldiers should immediately be handed over to Israel. The elected Palestinian officials should be freed. We hope that we will eventually reach a stage when women and children prisoners could also be released.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source