YouSaid · the spoken record

Önal

lines on the record: 68
first: 2019-09-30
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“In that connection, we once again underline the significance of the United Nations monitoring mechanism, which guarantees the transparency of aid deliveries. Planned budget cuts to humanitarian assistance for Syria are also a serious source of concern. Under those circumstances, all stakeholders and donors have important responsibilities to help eliminate the risks facing the United Nations humanitarian response in Syria. We expect the continued use of the Bab Al-Hawa, Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai border crossings for United Nations aid deliveries. The continued engagement of the Security Council is essential in that regard. Türkiye will continue to support the people of Syria and all initiatives towards a sustainable solution to the Syrian conflict.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Those attempts include oppressing local populations, forcibly recruiting children and the military use and exploitation of civilian infrastructure. I would like to underline once again that empowering that terrorist organization serves no purpose other than that of sowing the seeds of further instability in Syria and beyond. We will certainly not allow this criminal entity to realize its insidious designs. As regards the humanitarian situation, we observe that serious shortcomings have emerged in the past few months. We would like to emphasize the importance of the uninterrupted delivery of cross-border humanitarian assistance, which helps 4.1 million people to hold on to life in north-west Syria.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“In the face of exacerbating domestic problems, as well as the risk of a regional conflagration of the conflict in Gaza, the preservation of calm in Syria is of critical importance. That is why we call on all relevant parties, both in the region and beyond, to de-escalate tensions. Regrettably, today we once again heard a reference by the Special Envoy to the Syrian Democratic Forces — an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) terrorist organization, as if it were a legitimate actor. Türkiye’s counter-terrorism operations in the country are an exercise of its inherent right of self-defence in response to the acts of terrorism perpetrated by this organization. The PKK/YPG terrorist organization continues its attempts to advance its separatist agenda in Syria.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Our overall efforts towards the settlement of the conflict must be aimed at genuine national reconciliation. However, that is not possible by playing against time, with half-hearted efforts that do not contribute to those objectives. It is imperative to overcome the current inertia on the political track and to convene the ninth round of the Constitutional Committee, without further delay. The status quo in Syria has become unsustainable, not only politically but also in terms of its humanitarian and security dimensions. In the thirteenth year of the conflict, the living conditions of the Syrian people are getting harder every day. It is becoming more difficult to access basic needs. The economic crisis is worsening. Deprivation is an everyday reality for millions.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Eight years after its adoption in the Chamber, the vision, goals and road map set forth in resolution 2254 (2015) continue to constitute the international consensus on the resolution of the Syrian conflict. Nonetheless, Syria has recently fallen off many radars. The current fragility of the situation in the country and the wider region should not hold us back from addressing the root causes of the problem. Syria is not a post-conflict country. It cannot be, without its territorial integrity and political unity being guaranteed. Neither can it be, without a reinvigorated political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), or without putting an end to the separatist agenda of terrorist organizations and creating the conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): This week marks the eighth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015). The resolution reflects the contours of a consensual road map for the achievement of a lasting solution to the Syrian conflict. It remains the most reliable framework for a sustainable way out of the Syrian crisis, which is through an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. It mandates the United Nations to convene representatives of the Syrian regime and the opposition to engage in formal negotiations on a political transition process, and most importantly, it stresses the undeniable fact that it is the Syrian people who will decide the future of their country — all Syrians, including the opposition, the diaspora and refugees.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“We cannot allow two separate worlds to go on living in different centuries. Technology should be accessible and beneficial to all, in a manner that leaves no one behind. In that respect, the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, which we host in Türkiye, has an important role and should be supported by all. In conclusion, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing to contribute actively to international efforts to advance sustainable peace and development, taking into account the interconnected and mutually reinforcing nature of those two objectives.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Those factors are further exacerbated by poverty, double standards and social and economic inequalities between and among nations. In that regard, sustainable development is the cornerstone of achieving lasting peace across the globe. Sustainable development cannot thrive in the shadow of conflict and insecurity. In the same vein, peace cannot be achieved where sustainable development is absent. More than ever, we need a world where the benefits of development are shared by all, particularly by the least developed countries. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) deserve our special focus in development efforts. We should ensure that emerging technologies play a role in reducing, not widening, the digital divide. While we are astonished by rapid developments in AI, millions do not even have access to the Internet.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It takes national and regional ownership and international cooperation to tackle problems of terrorism, violence, irregular migration and environmental degradation, which hold back economic development. Sustainable peace also requires that the root causes of conflicts and perpetuated instability be addressed effectively and that, instead of imposing one-size-fits-all models, bottom-up approaches based on national specificities be facilitated. As we witness today in the Middle East, Europe and beyond, armed conflicts, grave violations of human rights law and humanitarian law, illegal occupation, oppression and a lack of good governance constitute major threats to peace and security at the national and international levels.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Such a stocktaking exercise can provide us with reliable guidelines as we navigate a fluid international system under transformation. As a country that has been in the close proximity to major upheavals and conflicts that have happened in that 25-year time span and has been directly affected by them, Türkiye believes that sustainable peace and development necessitate the nurturing of inclusive, resilient and accountable institutions. It takes a holistic and integrated approach to poverty reduction, capacity- building, job creation and the facilitation of access to education, health care, greater economic opportunity and political participation. It takes bolstering social cohesion and, in some fractured societies, enacting new social contracts.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): We thank the Chinese presidency for organizing this open debate at a time when the international community has come under increasing stress in terms of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals owing to formidable challenges, including a multiplicity of devastating conflicts, natural and manmade disasters, terrorism, irregular migration and climate change. Shedding light on the interconnection between sustainable peace, security and development has become all the more important. It is also useful to take stock of the history of the past quarter-century, including the way we responded or failed to respond to real or perceived threats to international peace and security and how our responses have had an impact on prospects for sustainable peace and development.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Its objectives require a United Nations that is strong, effective and compatible with today’s realities. Türkiye will continue its active cooperation with the United Nations and other partners towards those objectives.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In the South Caucasus, we have initiated various trilateral mechanisms to enhance regional cooperation. The 3+3 regional consultative platform proposed by Türkiye and Azerbaijan aims to strengthen dialogue, confidence-building and mutually beneficial cooperation in the South Caucasus. We continue to fully support the peace process launched between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in addition to our own normalization process with Armenia. A window of opportunity for sustainable peace and cooperation has opened in the Caucasus, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to seize it now. At the global scale, Security Council reform is an absolute and urgent necessity. We support the United Nations reinvigorated multilateralism efforts and welcome the Secretary-General’s call for a New Agenda for Peace.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As an active member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we are now exerting efforts with other member States to help de-escalate the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by prioritizing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, sustainable humanitarian access to Gaza and the revitalization of the peace process based on a two- State vision. In Ukraine, we continue to be an honest broker between the parties. We have facilitated prisoner exchanges and hosted peace talks and negotiations on humanitarian issues in Türkiye, demonstrating our commitment to helping to end to that war at an early stage. Our dialogue with the parties allowed us to launch and implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative, in partnership with the United Nations.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In doing so, it is equally important to avoid double standards and to ensure that rights and laws are applied equally and equitably to all. As the saying goes, geography determines destiny. Situated in a geostrategic location, Türkiye has been a strong advocate of regional ownership and proactive diplomacy as important components of multilateralism. Accordingly, we have launched regional initiatives and peace mediation efforts aimed at bringing about peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Together with Russia and Iran, we established the Astana platform, which helped de-escalate the Syrian crisis and made meaningful contributions to the political process.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Our contemporary multilateral system and its heart, the United Nations, were created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It is difficult to say that we have succeeded in fulfilling that objective. Obviously, we need to analyse the underlying reasons for that difficulty well. One of the basic conclusions such an analysis might yield is that no crisis can be resolved sustainably without addressing its root causes. There is a growing need to emphasize conflict resolution instead of having to contend with crisis management. Respect for the fundamental purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and human rights should serve as our compass at all times.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): We thank the Brazilian presidency for organizing this timely debate. Peace through dialogue is indeed a pertinent topic to tackle, especially in view of recent developments. At a time of multiple crises in the world, there is an urgent need for the international community to act, and to do so with reason, common sense and integrity. Such an attitude requires dialogue and diplomacy to be prioritized in order to achieve the de-escalation of tensions and pave the way for durable solutions. In that connection, allowing conflict dynamics to run their full course and making believe that elements of peace will naturally emerge after military means have been exhausted is a fundamentally wrong and untenable proposition.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source
“All parties must fulfil their responsibilities for the uninterrupted flow of cross-border aid as long as it is needed, including through scaled-up donor funding. Türkiye, for its part, will continue to coordinate and closely cooperate with the United Nations and its part- ners towards that objective. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Türki- ye is entitled to take appropriate measures against direct and imminent threats posed to its security by terrorist organizations operating in Syria. As such, we will con- tinue to exercise our inherent right of self-defence, as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Na- tions and relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“For almost a decade, the United Nations cross-bor- der humanitarian aid mechanism has played an indispen- sable role in delivering urgent humanitarian assistance to millions of Syrians in need. The mechanism, author- ized by the Security Council, was unique in terms of the level of predictability, transparency and effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the United Na- tions cross-border assistance continues to function in line with its long-standing modus operandi. All sides will benefit from maintaining the report- ing and monitoring elements of the mechanism, which are critical for the neutrality and oversight of the opera- tion. We are pleased that aid deliveries through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing have finally resumed after a weeks- long halt.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“In fact, the threat of PKK terrorism to Syria’s territorial integrity has never been more alarming than it is today. Recent clashes between Arab tribes and PKK/YPG have shown once again that the activities of that organiza- tion and the external support it continues to receive is a major source of instability in Syria. The oppressive and discriminatory practices and human rights violations of that organization are a matter of public knowledge now and have also been extensively reported by the United Nations. We urge all sides to adopt a holistic, long-term approach and disengage from those separatist entities, which do not have any place in the future of Syria.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“Therefore, it is essential that the Syrian opposi- tion be included in all efforts towards a political solution. The Constitutional Committee, which was created as a result of the efforts of the Astana guarantors, is the most effective platform to bring together the Syrian par- ties. As we reiterated in the ministerial meeting of the Astana platform last week in New York, we are commit- ted to engaging and working together for the reactiva- tion of the Constitutional Committee so that it will start producing tangible results. We continue to support the efforts of Special Envoy Pedersen to make progress on the political tract. The continued presence of terrorist organizations in Syria poses a vital threat to the country and its neigh- bours, primarily Türkiye, as well as to the wider region.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“Recent developments on a wide spectrum, ranging from ongoing anti-regime pro- tests in the south to armed clashes in the north-east and the spread of captagon production and trafficking, once again highlight the necessity to accelerate the efforts to find a viable solution to the Syrian conflict. A comprehensive settlement of the Syrian conflict requires simultaneous progress in various areas. Those include revitalizing the political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015); disrupting the malign and sepa- ratist agenda of terrorist organizations in order to pre- serve Syria’s territorial integrity and unity; and creating conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees. Without national reconciliation and a new social contract, Syria will continue to be prone to conflict.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“The population is faced with deep economic dep- rivation, on top of a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions where 7 out of every 10 people depend on international humanitarian assistance for survival. The situation is further exacerbated by the earthquakes in February. Since the beginning of the conflict, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Millions have been forced to flee their homes and have become refu- gees or internally displaced. Just as worrisome is that the territorial integrity of the country has come under imminent threat due to ter- rorist organizations, primarily now the Kurdistan Work- ers’ Party/People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG). As the conflict remains unresolved, new elements of instabil- ity are added to the picture.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): I thank Mr. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria; Ms. Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and Ms. Jarbawi for their statements. Last week, we all listened to world leaders as they addressed the most urgent problems affecting interna- tional peace and security, global prosperity and human rights. Sadly, despite its grave political, humanitarian and security repercussions, the 12-year Syrian conflict has not been placed where it should be on that list of global priorities. The reality is that the Syrian crisis is not a frozen conflict, and it would be collectively remiss to treat it as such. Active conflict is still ongoing on the ground in Syria today.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“All of us must commit to making the protection of Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity a priority. The elimination of threats to neighbouring countries is also of critical importance. Based on its right to legitimate self-defence as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations, Türkiye will continue to fight terrorism in Syria in all its forms and manifestations, disrupting the destabilizing and separatist agendas of such entities as Da’esh and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Unit. The meeting rose at 11.50 a.m.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“As we discussed in the Chamber two days ago (see S/PV.9401), the unimpeded delivery of cross-border United Nations humanitarian assistance remains vital for millions of people in need in north-western Syria. In the current circumstances, the Council’s sustained engagement is essential to the predictable and effective continuation of that mission, with the modus operandi of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs unchanged. The preservation of calm on the ground is important for many reasons. However, we are concerned about the recent ceasefire violations in Idlib. In view of the already fragile situation, any escalation must be avoided to pre-empt new humanitarian tragedies. Counter-terrorism is a crucial dimension of the settlement of the Syrian crisis.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“Close consultations with all stakeholders, especially the United Nations and the legitimate Syrian opposition, are of vital importance to that end. I would also like to respond to the references to my country’s role where the situation of refugees is concerned. My country has been generously sheltering millions of Syrians for more than a decade and continues to host the largest number of refugees in the world. The facilitation of the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees should be an integral part of our overall efforts to settle the Syrian crisis. We therefore need to increase our engagement in creating conditions conducive to the fulfilment of those criteria.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): I too thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing. We are now in the thirteenth year of the conflict in Syria and the Syrian people’s living conditions are worsening by the day as their economic hardships increase. It has therefore become all the more urgent to give impetus to the international efforts to find a lasting solution to the Syrian crisis. That can be achieved by advancing the political process in compliance with resolution 2254 (2015). The Constitutional Committee has proved to be a unique platform capable of bringing together the Syrian opposition and the regime. However, the Committee has not been able to convene for more than a year. The Syrian regime should stop holding the process hostage and should resume and advance the Committee’s work within the context of a broader political alignment.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“We, as Türkiye, remain convinced that there is a historical opportunity for comprehensive peace, stability and cooperation in the region. To that end, we expressed our commitment to a full normalization process with Armenia and took steps in that direction. We continue to strongly support peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is our firm belief that regional normalization can be attained only through dialogue and goodwill. We will continue to take part in, encourage and support efforts towards that goal.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“However, those concerns and sensitivities were not taken into account, and Azerbaijan felt obliged to take measures on its own territory as it deemed appropriate within the framework of its sovereign rights. We know that Azerbaijan has exercised care to observe humanitarian considerations while those measures were implemented. As a matter of fact, medical evacuations through the Lachin road are possible, and Azerbaijan has already allocated the Aghdam- Khankendi route for use in delivering supplies to meet the needs of the Armenian residents in Karabakh. Moreover, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its willingness to establish dialogue with the representatives of the local Armenian people to address the issue in a substantial manner. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan’s sincere efforts have not been reciprocated.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): I thank you, Madam President, for inviting us to this meeting. As a country with vested interests in regional peace and stability and actively engaged in initiatives towards that objective, Türkiye is concerned about the attempts of Armenia to exploit international platforms, including the Security Council, to express politically motivated and unsubstantiated allegations regarding the Lachin road. We need to address that issue in its proper context. First and foremost, the legitimate concerns of Azerbaijan have to be taken into account and its inherent sovereign rights have to be respected. Azerbaijan has been expressing concerns about the abuse of the Lachin road for supplying armed groups and illegal mine exploitation in Karabakh for a long time.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“Cross-line aid deliveries are also important to complement other humanitarian efforts. A cross-line mission to Idlib was successfully completed last week. We continue to encourage all the parties to facilitate regular cross-line missions. Under the current conditions, especially in north- west Syria, which suffered the most damage from the earthquakes, the United Nations cross-border mechanism remains the only viable lifeline for millions of Syrians in need. The Security Council’s extension of the mandate of the cross-border mechanism for 12 months will therefore be critically important. Expanding the scope of the mandate to include additional border crossings would also contribute to predictability, which is needed to make better use of those crossings.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“In addition to the ongoing massive operation at the Bab Al-Hawa crossing, the use of two additional border crossings — Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai — has also been useful. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners need predictability, with a longer-term perspective to be able to sustain their crucial operations. The World Food Programme’s announcement that the number of beneficiaries would be reduced by half, leaving 2.5 million people at risk unless additional funding were provided, is deeply worrisome. We hope that that undesired outcome can be offset by securing sufficient financial support. It would also be timely to develop new modalities of assistance by increasing access to livelihoods through early-recovery and rehabilitation activities in accordance with resolution 2672 (2023).”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Türkiye is determined to do whatever is necessary to eliminate that threat and to safeguard its citizens and borders, in full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law. The humanitarian situation in Syria remains grim. This month, we have seen two reports by the Secretary- General demonstrating the devastating consequences of the earthquake, as well as the extent of the ongoing humanitarian needs on the ground. We appreciate the role of United Nations in terms its efforts to alleviate the plight of the affected people. Since the earthquakes, more than 3,000 aid trucks and more than 140 United Nations inter-agency missions have crossed our borders into north-west Syria.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“We underlined the need to keep the situation calm on the ground while creating the conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees, as well as facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. With a view to overcoming the current political impasse, the Constitutional Committee should be reconvened as soon as possible. We support Special Envoy Pedersen’s efforts to that end. The terrorism in Syria of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units is a major threat, not only to the stability and territorial integrity of Syria but also to our existential national security interests. Since the beginning of this year, that terrorist organization perpetrated a total of 67 attacks from Tell Rifaat and Manbij on targets inside Türkiye and in the opposition-controlled areas in Syria.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): I thank you, Madam President, for organizing this meeting. I also thank Under- Secretary-General Griffiths and Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi for their briefings. In order to bring an end to the 12-year conflict in Syria and its destabilizing implications, it is crucial to effectively address its various dimensions in a synchronized and gradual manner. It was with that understanding that we participated in the twentieth meeting of the Astana format high-level meeting last week. During the meeting, the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity, effectively combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and disrupting separatist agendas were emphasized.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“And we continue to encourage all relevant parties to carry out these activities on a regular basis. The disasters that befell Türkiye and Syria might indeed have a silver lining if the cooperation in the humanitarian dimension could also help to create a renewed political momentum for the settlement of the Syrian crisis. We hope that this can open a window of opportunity and that it can be seized by all stakeholders.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“We call on the international community, including the United Nations, donors, implementing partners and non-governmental organizations, to make better use of all these border crossings in order to scale up the desperately needed humanitarian aid. In this connection, I would like to emphasize the importance of extending the mandate of the cross-border mechanism in such a way as to ensure predictability and reliability for donors and implementing partners. This step would also facilitate more effective implementation of early-recovery and resilience projects, which in the medium to long term could help to mitigate the overall humanitarian grievances. Similarly, we support the delivery of cross-line assistance inside Syria, in line with resolution 2672 (2023).”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“In this connection, I would like to underline once again the need for increased alignment of the positions of all main stakeholders. The United Nations cross-border assistance mechanism remains a vital lifeline for millions of Syrians and an indispensable modality for meeting increasing humanitarian needs in the country. In the aftermath of the earthquakes, its functionality has become all the more important. The operationalization of two additional border crossings, namely, Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai, for the delivery of humanitarian aid has proven to be useful in terms of expanding the scope of the cross-border humanitarian response.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“Türkiye’s long-standing priorities in Syria are clear and consistent: overcoming the deadlock in the political process, combating terrorism, preserving the territorial integrity and political unity of Syria, facilitating uninterrupted humanitarian access and creating conditions conducive to the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees. Quadrilateral meetings that we have launched in Moscow are aimed at realizing these priorities through a process without preconditions and in a results-oriented manner. In the aftermath of the earthquakes, we are witnessing signs of a tendency toward greater engagement in the region. We think that every initiative is important and valuable insofar as it is part and parcel of a holistic and coordinated approach to find viable solutions to the existing problems through a credible political process.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): I too would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Director Doughten for their briefings. The earthquakes in February in Türkiye and Syria worsened the humanitarian situation in Syria. The catastrophe demonstrated once again the urgency of a settlement of the conflict in all its dimensions. Since the beginning, Türkiye has advocated that a lasting solution can be found only through a political process that addresses, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), the fundamental issues underpinning the conflict. The ongoing deadlock in the political process compounds the gravity of the situation on the ground and increases the prevalent sense of despair.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“The Agency’s long-term financial stability must be assured so that its life-saving services for millions of Palestinian refugees can continue. We remain hopeful that one day Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. Türkiye will continue to support all efforts to find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, based on the vision of two equal and independent States. Türkiye’s unwavering support to the Palestinian people in achieving their inalienable rights, including the right to live in their own sovereign and independent State, will continue.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“The financial, administrative and security capacity of the Palestinian State should also be substantially supported. We cannot expect the overall situation to get better unless the living and security conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory are improved. The powerful earthquakes of 6 February that struck Türkiye and Syria also affected Lebanon and had a damaging impact on the already difficult living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Syria and Lebanon. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has once again shown how vital its role is in providing emergency assistance in times of crisis. Despite financial constraints, the Agency has quickly mobilized to meet the humanitarian and early-recovery needs of Palestinian refugees. We call on all countries to support its crucial work.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“Turkey has repeatedly underlined the necessity of addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and bringing an end to the plight of the Palestinian people. The reasons that perpetuate the failure to find a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question run counter to the founding principles of this Organization. Ending the occupation is a prerequisite for, and key to, reaching a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict. We cannot achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East without an independent, sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. To achieve that goal, there is an urgent need to return to the political path and accelerate efforts towards the revitalization of the peace process.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“Those attacks against worshippers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan are unacceptable. We engaged in intensive talks before and during the month of Ramadan, in particular with our Israeli counterparts at every level. We warned about the dangers of such an escalation. We would have hoped that our warnings would have been heeded from the very beginning. The situation in other parts of the occupied Palestinian territory is no less alarming. Illegal settlements, demolitions and evacuations continue unabated. Settler violence has reached unprecedented levels. As a result, many Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of this year. We share the deep concerns of the international community regarding that dangerous trend on the ground, which could have catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“Mr. Önal (Türkiye): I would first like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I thank you for convening this open debate, and I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. As we meet to discuss the situation in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Palestine is going through one of its most difficult episodes in history. Violations against the historic status quo of the holy sites, the desecration of the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif and the repeated brutal storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound have led to a dangerous escalation of the situation, creating a spiral of violence. Türkiye denounces in the strongest terms the raiding of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli security forces and the detention of many Palestinian civilians.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to categorically reject the baseless allegations made by the Armenian delegation with regard to events in 1915. We call on everybody to take into consideration our joint history commission proposal and regional peace and cooperation initiatives, rather than stoking historical animosity.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“True multilateralism requires that all Member States, regardless of their size or power, have an equal opportunity to voice their views and expectations. That is why the General Assembly, as the most democratic and representative organ of the United Nations, is well positioned to play an increasingly important role in global matters. In order to strengthen multilateralism, we need a stronger General Assembly, and we fully support the intergovernmental process for its revitalization. As we commemorate the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace today, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter. Such a commitment also entails re-energizing multilateralism with a view to better addressing the increasingly global and interrelated challenges of our time.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“What needs to be done is therefore to prioritize the peaceful resolution of conflicts through constructive engagement and creative diplomacy. The success of multilateralism obviously depends on the effectiveness of its core institutions. The reality today, however, is that our multilateral institutions and rules are far from perfect. The United Nations in particular is the embodiment of multilateralism. Yet it is not immune to occasional moments of paralysis when its guidance on matters of global peace and security is most needed. The Organization should be more democratic, transparent, representative and inclusive. The Charter of the United Nations and its provisions should be unequivocally complied with by all Members, and first and foremost by the permanent members of the Security Council.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It has been instrumental in building institutions and codifying guidelines designed to help resolve conflicts peacefully. Such institutions enable us to establish norms and platforms for dealing with our global challenges, from addressing climate change and poverty reduction to combating terrorism and disarmament, among other things. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, the global compacts on migration and refugees, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate are some examples of how diplomacy and multilateralism produce results for the common good of humankind. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, we have once again witnessed multilateralism at work first-hand through international cooperation in the form of disaster response and humanitarian action.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source