Sezer Urges Leaders In Islam Geography To Make A Sincere And Frank Appraisal Without Delay
Anadolu Agency:
6/14/2004
ISTANBUL – Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer urged on Monday that
it has become imperative that the leaders in this geography make
sincere and frank appraisal without delay.
President Sezer addressed the opening of the Thirty-First Session of
the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
In his speech, Sezer pointed out that Istanbul, the venue of our
meeting, was a city that had placed its mark world civilization and
that had left deep traces in the history of Islam. This city, which
has embraced and merged people from different cultures and faiths
throughout history, has ensured the free practice of faith in its
mosques, churches and synagogues standing side by side for centuries,
thus providing an environment of tolerance, he added.
“With such attributes, Istanbul is one of the living symbols of
harmony and tolerance among civilizations” Sezer said, adding that,
“since the inception of the OIC, we are witnessing sweeping changes
in the world. Since the early 1970`s new dynamics have been set in
motion in the international order.”
“We are passing through a period in which dynamics of change are being
felt strongly. Uncertainties which blur our vision affect the lives and
future of our nations profoundly. Whatever the level of its development
and prosperity may be, no country can remain unaffected by the winds
of change. While every region, country, society and individual benefit
from positive changes at varying degrees, they nevertheless face the
risks posed by a variety of negative developments,” Sezer stated.
He said, “the experiences that we have gained in the aftermath of the
Second World War and particularly since the beginning of the 21st
century, has demonstrated that global peace, prosperity, security
and stability can not be achieved only through military means. It
has become apparent that efforts to this end will bear fruit to the
extend that democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights and good
governance are also taken into account.”
Sezer emphasized that, “in this age in which trade and economic
relations have been globalized, embracing human rights, the rule of
law, gender equality and religious tolerance on a global scale is
imperative for social development.”
“We observe that recently the attention of the international community
has been directed towards the Islamic world. Discussions that have
intensified over the question `what went wrong?` should not only
be confined to scholars. We have to bear in mind that the answer to
this question concerns the past, as well as the future of the Islamic
world. Therefore, it has become imperative that the leaders in this
geography, in other words, we, make sincere and frank appraisal
without delay,” he stressed.
Sezer said, “the OIC which was founded by 25 countries has enlarged
in terms of membership over two fold in the past thirty five years.
The geographical boundaries of the OIC has expanded from the Balkans to
Africa as well as from the Middle East to Central Asia. Applications
continue to be made for full membership and observer status. Through
its broad representation, the OIC has acquired the necessary capability
of speaking with a common voice and spreading the messages of its
members to the world. The time has come to seek and find the means
to use this capability in an efficient and result-oriented manner.”
President Sezer said, “like all international organizations, the OIC
has arrived at a key turning point in its historical development
process. Currently, the fundamental question which needs to be
answered is how the OIC will be transformed into a significant
and influential political force in the twenty-first century on the
international stage.”
He said, “at this point, I would like to stress that the strength
and efficiency of an international organization comes from its
members. International organizations with powerful members, capable
of resolving problems, especially those in their own geography, and
establishing comprehensive co-operation mechanisms to this end, and
who can keep the pace with the international dynamics and universal
values, naturally gain the ability to have their voices heard strongly
on the international arena.
Sezer emphasized that, “therefore, it is of vital importance that
the members of the OIC demonstrate the clear will to accelerate the
ongoing political, social, and economic reforms in order to catch up
with the contemporary age.”
“Human resources is the basic element in social and economic
development. Education is of vital importance in making the utmost of
this resource. However, upgrading the level of education alone is not
sufficient. Invoking a sense of confidence and hope for the future
is also important. Here lies the fundamental role of democracy. Each
individual acts with hope and confidence to the extend he or she
has a say in their own future and that of their country. We should
not forget that when judging their own societies in retrospect,
generations to come will also take into account the role of today`s
leaders on the reform and democratization,” he stated.
Sezer said, “In the Middle East, the region which lies at the very
center of the OIC geography, we are witnessing a growing demand by
the public for political, social and economic reform. Governments
are taking certain steps to respond to these demands. Naturally,
the pace on reform will be determined by the social conditions in
each country. However, there is an obvious need to agree that reform
is inevitable.”
PRESIDENT SEZER: “WE DO NOT DISREGARD SECURITY CONCERNS OF ISRAEL”
President Sezer said, “we do not disregard the security concerns of
Israel. However, we see the use of excessive force as a big mistake
that does not serve any end other than further escalating tensions
and harming civilians.”
President Sezer said, “we all know that the international community
is willing to extend support to the reform process which the
region requires. However, to bear fruit from steps encouraging
democratic change and reform, it is necessary to adopt a realistic
and case-by-case approach building on the domestic dynamics and the
particularities of each country. I believe that without losing sight
of our own values, we should collectively find the methods which will
enable us not to lag behind and even help shape our world.”
“It is also a shared desire of my country that the Middle East goes
through a transformation in line with contemporary and universal
values, and that the people of this region attain a higher level
of prosperity and development. In fact, although with differing
degrees, this is an ongoing process, and it can neither be halted nor
reversed. The issue before us is not whether democracy can be put
in place in the Middle East, but how the aspirations for democracy
can be addressed and how democracy can be materialized. The leaders
of the region will leave a trace in the annals of their countries,
to the extent that they take the lead for courageous and far-sighted
initiatives. In this process self-criticism is an important aspect,”
he said.
President Sezer noted, “on the other hand, third countries and
international organizations are contributing with good faith to the
development and democratization process of several countries. Even
among the most democratic and developed countries, a multitude
of mechanisms exist that help to safeguard and elevate living
conditions. These most successful examples are the Council of Europe,
the European Union and the Organization of Security and Cooperation
in Europe. On this occasion, I would like to note with pleasure the
interest displayed by these organizations in the recent years to
enter into dialogue with the countries in the OIC region, and the
initiatives of the OIC in this regard. Having cooperated with these
organizations for several years, we believe that, despite certain
difficulties, this is a useful process.”
“At this point I would like to make a call for the establishment of
dialogue and cooperation on the basis of genuine partnership between
the countries in the OIC geography and the West, both at bilateral and
institutional levels. I believe that political will to be demonstrated
in this direction will pave the way for the Organization of the Islamic
Conference to earn its rightful place on the international stage,”
he said.
President Sezer, emphasized, “in order for the ownership of projects
concerning reform, modernization and democratization to be claimed by
the countries in the region, and to ensure that the hand extended by
the international community for assistance bears fruit, it is important
that concrete steps are taken for a just and lasting settlement of
the conflicts in the Middle East region. The Arab-Israeli dispute lies
at the forefront of these conflicts and the question of Palestine in
its center.”
“I would like to reaffirm Turkey`s solidarity with the Palestinian
people at this very difficult time. As a result of the continuing
occupation in the territories of Palestine, and excessive use of
force as well as destruction that have claimed the lives of many
Palestinians, the conflict has escalated to a dangerous level. This
situation seriously impacts efforts aimed at establishing security
and stability in the region,” he said.
Noting that Turkey did not disregard the security concerns of Israel,
President Sezer said, “however, we see the use of excessive force as a
big mistake that does not serve any end other than further escalating
tensions and harming civilians.”
“The ongoing negative developments in the region displays how
important it is for the leaders on both sides to heed the calls of the
international community. The future of Israeli and the Palestinian
peoples are interlinked. A better future in the region can be built
only through wisdom and reconciliation by the two peoples, rather
than building walls and physical barriers. Policies that ignore
international law and the calls of the international community are
doomed to failure,” he said.
President Sezer noted, “it is evident that a viable peace agreement
is the only way to provide a safe future for both parties. And
this can be achieved through the vision of “two States: Israel and
Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognized borders”
in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations
Security Council. In this vein, we believe that the ground laid by
the Road Map should be effectively utilized.”
“In order to achieve progress in the implementation of the Road Map,
high-level engagement of the international community is necessary.
The ongoing contacts with the members of the Quartet by the
OIC Ministerial Delegation, in which Turkey is also represented,
demonstrate the commitment of the international community to a just
and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Likewise,
the confirmation at the Arab League Summit of the validity of the
Arab Peace Plan is important. I would like to reiterate that Turkey
stands ready to fulfil any responsibility that falls on its shoulders
for the resolution of the conflict,” President Sezer added.
PRESIDENT SEZER: “ONGOING VIOLENCE AND INSTABILITY IN IRAQ REMAINS
A CAUSE OF CONCERN FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY”
President Sezer said, “the ongoing violence and instability also
remains a cause of concern for the international community.”
President Sezer said, “in our neighbor Iraq, the ongoing violence and
instability also remains a cause of concern for the international
community. We grieve for the agony and the suffering that the Iraq
people endure.”
President Sezer noted, “as for the political transition process in
Iraq, a new stage is in the making. Recently, the members of Iraq`s new
interim government were appointed. I wish them success. Following the
transfer of sovereignty on June 30, the people of Iraq will continue to
confront the challenging task of building their political future. The
success of the period ahead lies in drawing the necessary lessons from
past experiences. As acknowledged by the international community, the
United Nations is best equipped to assume a key role in strengthening
the basis of legitimacy of the political transition process and in
the creation of democratic structures in Iraq. I call upon the Iraqi
interim government and all segments in Iraq to pursue a close dialogue
with the United Nations and to benefit from their advise.”
“In the long and arduous period ahead, what the Iraqis need most
is to achieve a broad consensus among themselves. Only the Iraqis
themselves can find lasting solutions to the problems of Iraq. In
the end, the key to building a stable and prosperous Iraq which is
at peace with itself and with its neighbors, is only in the hands of
the Iraqi people. I call on them to transcend ethnic and sectarian
considerations and unite their forces,” President Sezer added.
PRESIDENT SEZER: “FURTHER SUFFERING OF TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE WILL
BE TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE”
President Sezer said, “following the referenda on April 24, a new
situation has emerged in Cyprus. In light of this fact, which is
also acknowledged by the international community, the Turkish Cypriot
people is willing to integrate with the rest of the world.”
President Sezer stressed, “further suffering of the Turkish Cypriot
people, due to a situation in which they bear no responsibility, would
be totally unacceptable. In fact, in his report of May 28, presented
to the Security Council, the secretary-general of the United Nations
has called upon the members of the United Nations to eliminate all
restrictions and embargoes on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
(TRNC). Thus, the claim that United Nations resolutions constitute
an obstacle in establishing relations with the Turkish Cypriots has
no relevance.”
“I am confident that the Islamic world will not lag behind the
international community, and will extend its hand of friendship
and assistance to its Muslim Turkish Cypriot brothers,” President
Sezer added.
PRESIDENT SEZER: “CONCRETE STEPS HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN FOR RESOLUTION
OF UPPER KARABAKH DISPUTE”
President Sezer said, “we note with regret that concrete steps have
not been taken for the resolution of the Upper Karabakh dispute.”
President Sezer referred to the issues of Upper Karabakh, Jammu and
Kashmir and Afghanistan.
-UPPER KARABAKH-
President Sezer said, “we note with regret that concrete steps have
not been taken for the resolution of the Upper Karabakh dispute,
which constitutes an obstacle for the creation of an environment of
cooperation. Turkey has already declared that if an agreement emerges
on confidence building measures aimed at facilitation a peaceful
resolution, it will contribute to such an initiative.”
“We believe that confidence-building measures will contribute in
expediting the resolution of the conflict, and thereby crating new
opportunities and strengthening the environment of cooperation for the
countries of the region and the international community,” he stressed.
-JAMMU AND KASHMIR-
Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, President Sezer said, “the
Jammu and Kashmir issue continues to be a source of serious concerns
since 1947. This issue has inflicted suffering to the people of the
region and has been a source of tension in the relations between India
and Pakistan. We support the settlement of this issue on the basis of
international legitimacy and dialogue. In this vein, recent mutual
openings made between Pakistan and India, and the initiation of a
dialogue process has risen hopes for a settlement. The settlement
of the Jammu and Kashmir issue will contribute significantly to the
strengthening of peace and stability in the region.”
-AFGHANISTAN-
President Sezer stressed, “despite all the difficulties, we are
pleased to observe that the Bonn Agreement is being implemented in
Afghanistan. The establishment of peace, security and stability in
Afghanistan is important not only for the Afghan people, but also
for the stability of the entire region.”
“We strongly hope that Afghanistan will accomplish the reconstruction
process swiftly and advance on the path of democracy and development
as a country free from terrorism, violence and radicalism, and that
the brotherly Afghan people will attain prosperity and tranquility
which they long for many years,” he said.
President Sezer added, “the adoption of a new constitution is an
important milestone in establishing stability and a new democratic
political order in this country. Following the September elections,
a new phase will start in Afghanistan. In the ongoing difficult
process, Afghanistan needs the strong support of the international
community. Turkey will continue to extend its support to Afghanistan,
a country that we have traditional ties of friendship.”
SEZER THANKS FOR SUPPORT DISPLAYED TOWARD SITUATION OF TURKISH MUSLIM
MINORITY IN WESTERN THRACE
Sezer said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all
the member states of the OIC for the interest and support they have
displayed towards the situation of the Turkish Muslim minority in
Western Thrace. It is regrettable that the Turkýsh Muslim minority
in Western Thrace is still unable to enjoy all basic individual and
minority rights which are guaranteed by bilateral and multilateral
agreements, to the full extend. The close interest and support of the
OIC for the recognition of the basic minority rights of the Turkish
Muslim minority in Western Thrace is of great importance.”
-COMCEC MEETING-
President Sezer also stressed that, “I would also like touch upon the
work of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial cooperation
of the OIC, COMCEC, which constitutes an important forum in developing
economic and commercial cooperation among our countries.”
“The Framework Agreement for the Trade Preferential System Among the
Member Countries of the OIC, which has come into force last year,
has an important place in the regional trade arrangements which are
expanding in parallel to globalization. The First Meeting of the Trade
Negotiating Committee in the framework of the said Agreement was
successfully held at the beginning of April in Antalya. The second
meeting of the Trade Negotiating Committee is planned to be held in
September in Turkey,” he noted.
Sezer stated that “the success of the first meeting is encouraging for
future endeavors. On this occasion, I would like to invite the Member
countries, who have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Framework
Agreement and actively participate in the trade negotiations.”
“As you all know, we will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the COMCEC
this year. A special meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade will
also be organized on the sidelines of the 20th session of COMCEC, to
be held between 23 and 27 November 2004 in Istanbul. Thus, we will
have the opportunity to exchange views on economic and commercial
cooperation and to develop new perspectives for our future work. In
order to attain our goals, I would like to reiterate our expectation
of high level participation of Member States in the COMCEC and in the
Special Ministerial Meeting of Economy and Trade,” Sezer pointed out.
President Sezer said, “with these thoughts in the mind, I would like
to welcome all the participants once again and wish that your work
will yield significant results in our quest for peace and prosperity.”