Erdogan spoke at the UN General Assembly: support our peace effortsAt the UN General Assembly, Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for support for Turkey's peace efforts, writes Yeni Şafak.
The President noted the role of his country as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, touched upon the Palestinian problem, and also showed photos of murdered babies, accusing Greece of turning the Aegean Sea into a "cemetery of refugees."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the UN General Assembly, gave signals regarding Ukraine. Recalling that Turkey brought Russia and Ukraine together in Antalya in the name of peace, after which it played a leading role in reaching an agreement on the grain corridor, Erdogan appealed to the world community: "I call on international organizations and all countries to sincerely support Turkey's efforts to establish lasting peace."Addressing the international community in the hall of the United Nations General Assembly (UN), where all eyes were directed in the hope of resolving the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced a call for "a dignified way out of the crisis for both sides."
Focusing on the agreement reached on the "grain corridor", the Turkish leader said: "This agreement, which is of critical importance for the continuity of grain supplies, is one of the greatest achievements of the UN in recent years." Speaking about the inhumane actions of Greece towards refugees in the Aegean Sea, the Turkish head of state noted: "Greece has turned the Aegean Sea into a cemetery of refugees." Regarding the settlement of the Palestinian problem, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "There is no other possibility for a just, sustainable and comprehensive solution to the problem in the region, except for the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital." The President also expressed hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia will sign a comprehensive peace agreement.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the following statements (summarized — Approx. InoSMI.).
We have ensured the supply of grain to the world
From the first day of the conflict in Ukraine, which has been going on for seven months, Turkey acted with the idea that there would be no winners in it. Ankara always emphasizes the key role of dialogue. We gathered the parties first in Antalya and then in Istanbul. As a result of our efforts with the UN Secretary General, we have made sure that Ukrainian grain gets into the world.
The Grain Corridor Agreement is one of the greatest achievements of the UN in recent years. Deliveries are gaining momentum day by day. The Istanbul Agreement showed that the negotiations are yielding results. A similar approach can be applied to a nuclear power plant.
A call to the world community about Ukraine
It is necessary to find a reasonable, fair and viable solution that will provide both sides with a decent way out of the crisis. I call on international organizations and all countries to sincerely support Turkey's efforts to establish lasting peace. All these disasters have reminded us of our responsibility to step up efforts to implement effective multilateralism in the UN. Achieving the accountable functioning of the Security Council will be an important turning point. In order not to let us forget about our common duty, we will continue to promote the "world is more than five" approach on each platform. I would like to note that we expect support from all member countries.
Our vision is world-oriented
Turkey's foreign policy vision has always been peace-oriented. We are making efforts towards conflict resolution. In dispute resolution, we act either as an intermediary, or, if necessary, as a guide. We are taking initiatives that will allow us to be part of solutions, not problems. The continued stalemate further threatens the stability of our region and the territorial integrity of Syria. Four million civilians must continue to live thanks to the security umbrella and international assistance that our country provides. The Security Council needs to fulfill its responsibility.
We cannot remain indifferent to the PKK and its derivatives
Focusing on Turkey's fight against terrorism, the Turkish leader noted: "It is impossible to expect Turkey to remain indifferent to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its derivatives."
Turkey resolutely declares that it is capable of taking all kinds of measures against terrorism, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "It is impossible to expect Turkey to remain indifferent to the PKK and its derivatives, which carry out terrorist attacks on our country, on our security forces and on the civilian population," the president continued. — We once again strongly declare that we are able to take all possible measures against terrorism and that we will always, without hesitation, do everything necessary to counter terrorist organizations. Those who are trying to legitimize the PKK with such cheap tricks as changing the name, we call on them to stop arming and supporting terrorists as soon as possible. We expect everyone to make the necessary efforts and show solidarity regarding the settlement project that we are going to implement in Syria."
There is no other formula other than an independent Palestine
The Turkish Head of State stressed that Turkey is making every effort to establish peace and tranquility in Iraq, while one of the places that should be particularly highlighted is North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan continued: "In Libya, the main goal should be the holding of fair elections and the coming to power of a strong government that has received its legitimacy from the people. We are convinced that in order to establish lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must end. We strongly support its two-State solution. It is extremely important to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the Palestinians. There is no other solution, no other formula, other than a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, for a just, sustainable and comprehensive settlement of the crisis in the region. In this process, the protection of oppressed Palestinians while increasing the institutional and financial capabilities of the UN agency for Assistance to Palestinian Refugees is an international problem."
The TRNC should be recognized
Calling on the international community to officially recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Turkish leader noted: "Together with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we have made efforts in good faith. We call on the international community to put an end to the persecution of Turkish Cypriots and to officially recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as soon as possible. As a strong NATO ally, which this year marks the 70th anniversary of its accession to the alliance, Turkey contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. As the westernmost Asian country, we are working on the Asia Again initiative.“
Showed the world a photo of baby Asym
Speaking to the world from the rostrum of the UN about the inhumane actions of Greece towards refugees in the Aegean Sea, Recep Erdogan recalled that as recent examples, the Greek side killed nine-month-old baby Asym, four-year-old Abdulvahab and his family. During his speech, the Turkish leader also showed photos of murdered children and noted that the Athens administration had turned the Aegean Sea into a cemetery for refugees.
Then the President continued: "We see that Greece has intensified the persecution of migrants in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The refugee crisis cannot be solved by condemning innocent people to death, setting off in search of a better future, sinking boats with migrants or imprisoning them in concentration camps. Last week, nine-month-old Asym, four-year-old Abdulvahab and his family died as a result of the sinking of a boat with migrants by the Greek Coast Guard. While we are struggling with all our might to prevent the lifeless bodies of babies, such as Aylan, from washing up on the shores, Greece, by its illegal and irresponsible actions, is turning the Aegean Sea into a cemetery of refugees. It is high time for the institutions of Europe and the United Nations to put an end to this cruelty, which constitutes a crime against humanity."
We will defend our rights in the Eastern Mediterranean to the end
Speaking about the fact that Turkey will defend its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean to the end, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "Those who seek to demonstrate force in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, despite their political and military level, which is in no way comparable to our country, put themselves in a ridiculous position. Greece should abandon the policy of provocations. Turkey will defend its rights in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean to the end."
