YouSaid · the spoken record

Sinirlioğlu

lines on the record: 536
first: 2015-09-30
most recent: 2023-01-25
sittings or episodes: 74
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

“Climate-related disasters caused thousands of deaths in 2017 and a loss of $320 billion. There is no doubt that those figures will put further pressure on host countries for the displaced and create new challenges for the existing legal frameworks for displacement and migration. Those facts oblige us to reflect on the consequential economic and security implications of climate change. The Caribbean and Pacific regions are heavily and increasingly affected by climate change and related security consequences, despite having made almost no contribution to global warming. Slow-onset hazards, such as increasing sea levels and extreme weather- related disasters, endanger the very existence of small island developing States.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for bringing yet another critical issue to the attention of the Security Council. Climate change is an existential challenge, and its adverse and transboundary impacts on the economy, health and the environment pose major threats for future generations. Climate change-related disasters have become an underlying cause of social instability in recent decades, by contributing to large-scale displacements. Environmental degradation and competition over resources continue to play a critical role in conflicts in many regions. They also halt progress on security, stability and development. The International Organization for Migration estimates that the number of people who might be forced to migrate due to environmental degradation by 2050 could be as high as 200 million.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“In each and every open debate on the Middle East, we are obliged to focus on a dim picture. But these problems are not inherent to the history or culture of the region. We can overcome them, as long as we work together and in the right direction. We can start by collectively upholding international law. That requires unity, courage and resilience, particularly on the part of the Security Council.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Turkey's resolve to fight terrorism in Syria is firm, which we have proven through two major counter- terrorism operations against Da'esh and the Democratic Union Party and Kurdish People's Protection Units. We will not tolerate the finding of safe havens for any terrorist organizations right next to our borders. We will not consent to the pursuit of any agenda that works against Syria's unity and the will of the Syrian people. As a global coalition member, Turkey is committed to ensuring the permanent defeat of Da'esh. Turkey and the United States have agreed to coordinate the withdrawal process to avoid the creation of a power vacuum to the east of the Euphrates. Turkey stands ready to continue to do its part for a stable, peaceful and democratic Syria, while preserving its political unity and territorial integrity.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“We hope that the State of Palestine will soon be a Member of the United Nations and that Palestinians will take their rightful place among us in order to contribute to the United Nations agenda across all pillars. Let me also highlight a couple of points on Syria. We continue to support the advancement of the political process through our efforts to finalize the establishment of the constitutional committee. The involvement of the United Nations and a balanced composition are crucial for a legitimate and credible constitutional committee. In recent months, we have intensified our consultations with the other Astana guarantors and the Special Envoy for Syria to that end. We will continue to cooperate closely with the new Special Envoy, Mr. Geir Pedersen.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“A two- State solution, with the establishment of an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only way for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. Any peace plan or initiative should be based on those established parameters. That could be achieved, and we should have reasons to be optimistic. Last week, the State of Palestine assumed the chairmanship of the Group of 77 (G-77) and China. That is a historic development. We congratulate the State of Palestine and wish it success. Palestinians have first-hand experience of many of the major global problems. Their chairmanship is an opportunity for the G-77 and the General Assembly.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Gazans, who are under blockade, continue to live in tremendous despair and insecurity. That tragedy is compounded by the worst financial crisis in the history of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Until a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict is achieved, the work of UNRWA will remain vital. It is our collective and moral duty to support the Agency. As Chair of the UNRWA Advisory Commission and the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA, Turkey will continue to contribute to the Agency's work and calls on all actors to do the same. The latest developments remind us once again of the urgency of revitalizing the peace process.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) is clear on the destructive effects of illegal settlement activities. The provisions of that resolution must be implemented. Israel should immediately cease all settlement activities as well as house demolitions, land confiscations and other policies that deny the Palestinians' right to development. There have also been attempts to deny the historical and legal rights of Palestinian people. According to United Nations resolutions, Palestinians have the right to return to their homeland. That right cannot be withheld. The refugee status of the people of Palestine is a legitimate right - it cannot be used as a bargaining chip. The continuation of those practices will only deepen the sense of injustice and breed desperation. That is in nobody's interest. The situation in the Gaza Strip is also deeply worrying.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“The situation across the Middle East continues to be a source of grave concern. Terrorism, violence and humanitarian crises have escalated and engulfed millions of innocent people in the region. In the face of that grim reality, we must maintain our focus on the urgent need to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Failing to do so will continue to further destabilize the region and lead to more radicalization and extremism. Despite the continuous calls of the international community, the Israeli violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, have been increasing at an alarming rate. The continuation of settlement activities, which intend to create new realities on the ground, are particularly worrisome. That is unacceptable.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Enhanced cooperation and increased dialogue among the countries of the region are also necessary. In fact, it is the region itself that has the greatest role, interest and responsibility in establishing and sustaining a secure and peaceful Afghanistan. The Heart of Asia- Istanbul Process is a stunning example of regional ownership for cooperation. The next ministerial conference of that Process will take place in Turkey in 2019. As a long-standing friend of the Afghan people, Turkey will maintain its contributions to the country with a comprehensive and integrated approach.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“We also fully support regional connectivity projects, such as the Lapis Lazuli transit agreement. The Afghan people need peace, and that can be reached and sustained only if it is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. We congratulate the Afghan Government on undertaking key reforms on good governance, the macroeconomy and private-sector development. A more focused approach is now needed to implement long-term strategies. With the ceasefire during Eid Al-Fitr and the parliamentary elections, held on 20 October, Afghans once again displayed their desire for peace and democracy. Improvements to the electoral system and the reinforcement of the fight against corruption will further consolidate democracy across the country. The upcoming presidential elections will be crucial for Afghanistan to achieve stability, security and prosperity.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“The Secretary-General indicates in his report that insecurity, violence, poverty and unemployment continue to heavily impact the young people of Afghanistan. We share that assessment and dedicate the largest part of our development assistance to education in Afghanistan. So far, more than 700,000 Afghan children have received education in 85 schools built by Turkey. We attach particular importance to the education of girls so that they can reach their full potential and contribute to the stability of their country. Habibe Kadiri High School for girls, which has operated in Jowzjan since 2008, has changed the lives of hundreds of girls and their families. The ongoing project of the Turkish-Afghan University of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi in Kabul will constitute another significant step in the field of higher education for young Afghans.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“We were pleased to see the continued support at the recent Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan. We thank the Government of Afghanistan and UNAMA for convening the Conference, which provided a crucial moment to renew partnership and cooperation for Afghanistan's peace, prosperity and self-reliance. It is now imperative that we live up to the commitments made. Turkey's development and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan has been one of our most comprehensive development programmes. The total amount of our aid exceeds $1.1 billion. More than 1,000 projects have been completed all around the country. We have pledged a further $150 million of development assistance for the period 2018-2020.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“As the country approaches the midpoint of the transformation decade, it continues to face significant and complex challenges. The highest number of civilian casualties recorded by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the six-month period between January and June attests to the volatile security situation. Turkey has been active in supporting the security of Afghanistan since 2001. We have pledged $60 million for the period 2018-2020 in support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. As one of the Resolute Support Mission framework nations, we will maintain our support for Afghanistan both bilaterally and through NATO. Under those precarious circumstances, the engagement of the international community remains vital.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Fedotov, for their briefings, as well as the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Saikal, for his statement. We also thank the Secretary- General for his comprehensive report (S/2018/1092). At the outset, let me reiterate our heartfelt condolences for the loss of innocent lives during the latest heinous terrorist attacks that took place in Kabul. We once again strongly condemn those cowardly acts of terror. Turkey stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism. Afghanistan stands at a crucial juncture in terms of its political, security and economic transformation.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“The underlying message during this open debate has been the necessity to uphold multilateralism and enhance international cooperation against all odds. The Council has an important role to play to that end. Increased transparency and effectiveness will further enhance the legitimacy of this body. That, in turn, will only strengthen the role of the United Nations in achieving peace, security and economic prosperity to the benefit of all, with a renewed commitment to multilateralism.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Successful partnerships with local Governments, civil society and the private sector are key factors in effectively mobilizing resources. One such recent initiative is the process on the global compact on migration. Over the past 18 months, we conducted together an inclusive and transparent dialogue with the contribution of civil society. We were able to bridge our differences. We collectively achieved a positive outcome to create better lives for 260 million migrants around the world. We now look forward to the adoption of the global compact in Marrakesh. The compact is an inspiring testament to the importance of multilateralism. It is an example of the moral vision that we can inject into the heart of the international system.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“To do so, we must address the root causes properly. Building and sustaining peace requires us to fight poverty, inequality, extremism and discrimination as well. We also need to promote human rights and the rule of law. We need to ensure increased participation and economic empowerment among all segments of society. At the same time, the United Nations can make use of Chapter VI tools more often. The guiding principles of mediation and good offices have a solid foundation in the Charter. That is why the Group of Friends of Mediation, co-chaired by Turkey and Finland, strives to increase the role of mediation in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Thirdly, the principle of local ownership should be at the core of our collective efforts within the United Nations system.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“First, we must reform the Security Council into a more transparent, democratic, representative and accountable body. The more transparency the Council displays while undertaking its work, the more accountable it will be. The more it shares information, consults and accepts input, the more effective it will become. A Council that is more responsive to the United Nations membership will be better placed to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. Any success in that process depends on a genuine spirit of compromise among us, without exception. Let us remember that, by signing the Charter of the United Nations, we reaffirmed our faith in the equal rights of nations large and small. Secondly, the United Nations needs to devise more effective ways of preventing conflicts and crises.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“We may not completely agree on how to best fix the system; however, we can all agree on the benefits of a rules- based world order. Also, we can all agree that the correct approach is neither unilateralism nor exceptionalism. Unilateralism is a departure from our common values. It is not a sign of good leadership. Exceptionalism is a departure from our joint responsibilities. It is not a sign of strength. If we want everyone to commit to a rules- based system, we need to lead by example. And the new age of multilateralism can only start here, at United Nations Headquarters. The United Nations system can be more responsive, efficient and effective. It can once again lead and inspire. We need to define our priorities better to that end.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“I would also like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate on a matter of increasing relevance. Seventy-three years ago in San Francisco, we committed ourselves to strengthening the three pillars of the current international system, namely, peace and security, human rights and development. Building on that commitment, we developed institutions and adopted rules. Those institutions and rules help us resolve our differences peacefully. They enable us to establish norms for dealing with global challenges, from climate change to weapons of mass destruction. They help regulate free trade and secure financial services. We all know that those institutions and rules are not perfect. The need for reform is well known.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“As Chair of the UNRWA Advisory Commission and the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA, Turkey is proud to support the Agency's work and has increased its annual contribution. We have also requested traditional donors to increase their contributions, and we have been working to expand the donor base of UNRWA. During the high-level week, we co-hosted a landmark meeting, during which we mobilized $122 million. We expect all countries to step up and help UNRWA. It is high time to stand forjustice and the protection of the established parameters for a lasting peace in Palestine. The international community must fulfil its moral responsibility. Turkey is ready to do its part.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal and cannot be ignored. Those are facts and are based on international law. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the most recent target of the efforts to collectively punish the Palestinians. The services provided by UNRWA are vital to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian refugees and to show that they are not forgotten. The Agency also plays a critical role in the stability of the region. Last month, schools for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children across Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria were reopened. Who is going to benefit ifthe Palestinians are subjected to more difficulty?”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The aim of such measures is to pressure Palestinians into accepting the status quo by enforcing hardship and humiliation. We are also witnessing systematic efforts to undermine the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. That is an attempt to change the terms of reference of the Middle East conflict and destroy the hope for a two-State solution. We are entitled to our own views but not to our own facts. According to international law, the Palestinians have the right to their own State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. That cannot be changed. According to United Nations resolutions, Palestinians have the right to return to their homeland. That cannot be withheld. The refugee status of the people of Palestine is a legitimate right and cannot be used as a bargaining chip.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“There was a moment in history when we were all hopeful that there would be peace in Israel and Palestine. That is no longer the case. The hope for a just and lasting settlement has never been lower. However, this gloomy picture could have been avoided. It was not inevitable and is the result of deliberate steps. We are seeing increasing pressure on the daily lives of Palestinians. Gaza is still under a blockade. Israeli security forces use increasingly excessive force against Palestinian civilians. There are restrictions for the Muslims who want to visit Haram al-Sharif. Recently, we have seen the displacement of Bedouins from Khan Al-Ahmar and the introduction of the Jewish nation-State law, which disregard the basic rights of the Palestinian people.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The conflict in Syria is in its eighth year, at the cost of hundreds of thousands oflives lost and millions forcibly displaced both within and beyond Syria's borders. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts to end this colossal human tragedy, meet the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and pave the way for lasting peace. Turkey will continue its efforts to achieve a viable political solution in Syria, a solution that is owned and led by Syrians and based on a lasting ceasefire on the ground that allows for a meaningful political process. It is high time that the Security Council puts its weight behind efforts to that end. Lastly, I do not consider the regime's representative my legitimate counterpart. I will therefore not dignify his delusional accusations with a response.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“The political process must be owned and led by the Syrians themselves, and not by others deciding on their behalf. We reiterate our call on the Council and the overall international community to support our endeavours and expedite the political process. In order to give fresh impetus to the efforts to put an end to the conflict, Turkey has introduced the idea of hosting a quadrilateral summit with the participation of France, Germany and Russia. Our main objective is to contribute to efforts to find a convergence of ideas to reach a sustainable political solution. Talks among the four countries to set the date and agenda of the summit are under way. We believe that this initiative will be helpful in supporting the efforts to reach a political settlement.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“With that understanding, we strongly and actively support Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura's efforts to establish the constitutional committee as soon as possible. We are working closely with the other Astana guarantors and Mr. De Mistura towards that end. The constitutional committee requires a credible, inclusive and balanced structure. That is essential to its legitimacy. The committee will be the key to achieving the ultimate goal of finding a negotiated political solution in Syria, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Its work will pave the way for holding free and fair elections under United Nations supervision, with the participation of all Syrians, including those who are living outside the country. Any attempt to design a political system for Syria without Syrian ownership would lack legitimacy and be detrimental.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Relieved over the improvement of the situation on the ground, tens of thousands of Syrians have started to return to their homes in Idlib. Following months of fear in anticipation of a full-scale assault, the memorandum has given civilians in Idlib respite and raised their hopes for a peaceful solution. The memorandum has also proven that the situation in Idlib can be addressed through effective diplomacy. The de-escalation status of Idlib remains crucial to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, to pave the way for the advancement of the political process, and to create the necessary conditions to fight terrorism effectively and in line with international humanitarian law. Our priority now is to seize on this momentum to advance the political process.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Since my most recent statement to the Council on the situation in Syria (see S/PV.8355), considerable progress has been made in the implementation of the memorandum on the following points: the cessation of hostilities has been established; the borders of the demilitarized zone in Idlib have been determined; the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the demilitarized zone has been completed ahead of the 10 October deadline; significant progress has been achieved on the withdrawal of radical groups from the demilitarized zone - we are continuing our efforts to that end - and we are working on the modalities of coordinated patrols together with Russia as well as on other measures aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the ceasefire regime. Thanks to the memorandum, further bloodshed and a humanitarian tragedy in Idlib have been averted.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura for his comprehensive briefing. He identified the main challenges that lie ahead on the political track. As his mission comes to an end, I would like also to express our deep appreciation to him for his tireless efforts in finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis. Before sharing our views on the way forward, I would like to provide an update on the implementation of the Idlib memorandum. The memorandum signed one month ago at the Sochi Turkish-Russian summit a month ago stabilized the situation in Idlib province. Thanks to the memorandum, it was possible to preserve the de-escalation status of Idlib.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Millions of Syrians who have suffered tremendously are putting their faith in us. They deserve a better future. They deserve to shape the future of their homeland. We should not, and cannot, fail them.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“We reiterate our call to the Council and the overall international community to support our endeavours and expedite the political process. Our collective efforts to fight terrorism will contribute to the creation of viable conditions to that end. In Sochi, the Turkish and Russian Presidents reaffirmed their resolve to fight terrorism in Idlib and beyond. We will continue to combat all terrorist groups, including the Democratic Union Party and the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which seek to undermine the territorial integrity of Syria and represent a direct threat to Turkey's national security. That should be a common source of concern shared by all of us. As Iunderlined before the Council on 11 September, the international community must shoulder its responsibility and throw its weight behind a political solution.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“The memorandum of understanding primarily aims at averting the looming humanitarian tragedy that the people in Idlib are facing. That arrangement will not only prevent a military attack on Idlib, but also serve the ultimate goal of accelerating both the political process and the finding a negotiated solution in Syria. As mentioned by Special Envoy De Mistura, efforts to finalize the constitutional committee are under way. Turkey hopes to see an acceleration of efforts for the establishment of an inclusive and credible committee, for the holding of free and fair elections under United Nations supervision and for the Syrian people's legitimate aspirations for a democratic future in line with resolution 2254 (2015) to be addressed.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“In line with the memorandum of understanding, all heavy weaponry will be withdrawn from the zone by 10 October; all terrorist groups will be removed by 15 October; the existing Turkish observation posts will be fortified; Russia will take all the necessary measures to prevent military operations and attacks on Idlib; Turkey and Russia will conduct coordinated patrols on both sides of the demilitarized zone; the coordination centre for the Astana guarantors will be reinforced in order to strengthen the sustainability of the ceasefire regime; and additional measures will be taken to ensure the freedom of movement of people and goods. In his briefing, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock once again depicted the dire humanitarian situation in Idlib.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“The memorandum of understanding, which we will circulate together with our Russian friends, was signed by the Turkish and Russian Defence Ministers yesterday and foresees the creation of a demilitarized zone. The two sides agreed to continue working on the details of that arrangement.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“The summit was an expression of their determination to find a peaceful solution to address a major humanitarian disaster in Idlib. The summit offered an opportunity to discuss ways and means to implement the understanding reached in Tehran last Friday, in line with the Astana spirit of cooperation. The agreement reached in Sochi builds on the Astana de-escalation arrangement and aims to achieve the stabilization of the situation and preserve the de-escalation zone in Idlib; the creation of the necessary conditions to fight terrorism effectively, in line with international humanitarian law; the prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe; and paving the way for the advancement of the political process.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“At the outset, let me join others in offering our condolences to our Russian friends for their loss yesterday. As the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation explained, the summit between the Turkish and Russian Presidents in Sochi yesterday focused on the situation in Idlib. I would also like to share our views on the outcome of the summit. First, I would like to recall President Erdogan's article in The Wall Street Journal, to which I referred here in the Chamber on 11 September (see S/PV.8347): "Idlib is the last exit before the toll. If the international community fails to take action now, not only innocent civilians but the entire world stands to pay the price." With that awareness, President Erdogan and President Putin met in Sochi yesterday.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“I would also like to reiterate Turkey's commitment to continuing to stand by the Government of Afghanistan and our Afghan brothers and sisters as long as our help is needed.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“We are pleased to co-chair the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process this year, together with Afghanistan, in line with our continued support. The second senior officials meeting of the Process will take place here in New York on 28 September, at the margins of the high-level week of the General Assembly. Review of the implementation of the confidence-building measures within the framework of the Process will be one of the agenda items. We look forward to a fruitful discussion at this meeting. Before concluding, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is carrying out under the leadership of Special Representative Yamamoto in assisting the Afghan Government and people in their endeavours to achieve a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“My third and last point is on the need to strengthen regional cooperation efforts. We believe that the need to address the challenges that Afghanistan continues to face remains an important priority for countries of the region and the international community as a whole. Building and consolidatingagenuine atmosphere oftrust and cooperation remains essential for strengthening regional collaboration efforts in a mutually beneficial manner. Our vision for Afghanistan continues to be a peaceful, secure and stable country that enjoys good and cooperative relations with its neighbours while being at the centre of major regional cooperation projects in infrastructure, trade and transportation. With this understanding, Turkey continues to contribute to regional cooperation efforts for Afghanistan.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“An Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process remains central to achieving long-lasting peace in the country. We welcome the encouraging steps that were recently taken by the Afghan Government to this effect. In this regard, we were pleased that the temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr was respected. This unprecedented development vividly displayed the sincere aspiration of the Afghan people for peace. It is regrettable that a similar ceasefire could not be repeated during Eid al-Adha. I would like to reiterate that Turkey continues to stand ready to contribute to the Afghan- led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation efforts. The security, stability and prosperity of Afghanistan are of key importance for neighbouring countries and the region, as well as for the maintenance of global peace and security.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“However, severe and frequent criticism of the election process is becoming a source of concern, as this may lead to circumstances that could result in the disenfranchisement ofa large number of voters. The deteriorating security situation might also give way to similar results. We still hope that effective and swift measures will be taken to rectify this situation. The fragmented political environment in Afghanistan continues to be another point of concern. We call upon all members of the National Unity Government, as well as other prominent political actors, to act together andjoin efforts aimed at holding credible elections and advancing the peace process. That brings me to my second point, on the efforts for establishing sustained peace and reconciliation.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“We look forward to the holding of the Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan later this year, which will provide an important opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to assisting Afghanistan in its efforts to secure a better future. This afternoon, I will focus on three key issues in this regard. First, with regard to the upcoming elections in the country, we are about one month away from the holding of parliamentary elections in Afghanistan, which are scheduled for 20 October. The successful holding of these elections is important for all of our efforts aimed at helping Afghanistan achieve stability, security and prosperity.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“I would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing, and Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, for his statement. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/20l8/824). Today we are meeting at yet another critical juncture for Afghanistan. As we approach the midpoint of the transformation decade, significant progress in the country has been achieved on multiple fronts, including in the political, economic and security fields. However, complex challenges remain to be addressed for the establishment and consolidation of peace, security and prosperity in Afghanistan.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“To ensure that we succeed, the rest of the world must set aside narrow self-interest and throw its weight behind a political solution." Today - with our partners in Astana, with the Council under this roof and with the overall international community - we face the moment of of truth in defence of the values we stand for.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“We attach the utmost importance to the establishment of a constitutional committee and creating the conditions for holding free and fair elections under United Nations supervision without further delay. As President Erdogan stated in his article in The Wall Street Journal yesterday, "Idlib is the last exit before the toll. If the international community, including Europe and the United States, fails to take action now, not only innocent Syrians but the entire world stands to pay the price. Turkey has done everything in its power to stop the bloodshed next door.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“A military solution cannot bring about any legitimacy, or create a lasting settlement. Legitimacy can be achieved only through a negotiated political solution. The United Nations-led Geneva process remains the main venue to that end, in line with the resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). And the situation in Idlib will be decisive for the fate of the political process. At the Tehran summit, the three guarantors reaffirmed their resolve to continue joint efforts to advance the political process. They reiterated their commitment to help establish and launch a constitutional committee. In that framework, senior officials of the three guarantors are currently meeting Special Envoy de Mistura in Geneva to continue their discussions to start the committee's work.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“In line with the Astana memorandum, Turkey established 12 observation posts in the Idlib de-escalation zone. Our observation posts have prevented violations. Our presence has also contributed to creating conditions for separating terrorists from moderate opposition groups. Furthermore, Turkey has been at the forefront in the fight against terrorism, and we are resolved to combat that scourge without discriminating among terrorist groups. We have reinstated stability and calm in the areas we cleared from terrorists in Syria. We are pleased to observe that hundreds of thousands of Syrians have voluntarily returned to their homeland and that a responsible approach to counter-terrorism can indeed win hearts and minds. There should be no illusion: there can be no military victory in Syria.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“In a complex place like Idlib, traditional counter- terrorism methods would not yield the desired results. On the contrary, they would create further suffering and alienate and radicalize more Syrians. In that sense, a military operation in Idlib would only play into the hands of terrorists. Only a viable ceasefire would allow the creation of an environment to effectively fight terrorism. That entails employing approaches that require time and patience. That is what Turkey has been working towards achieving through its separation efforts in Idlib. In order for our efforts to succeed, guarantees must be given to civilians and moderate opposition groups that they will not be targeted once they separate from terrorists. That is the underlying objective of the call for a ceasefire by President Erdogan.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source