‘UN system can neither prevent nor end conflicts,’ says Erdoğan

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA) - Archive

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President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent a video message to the High-Level Meeting held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations (UN) yesterday (September 21).

In his message shared on the official website of the Presidency as well, Erdoğan criticized the system and structure of the UN.

Some highlights from his message were as follows:

'Anniversaries provide an opportunity for reviews'

"I extend my congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Anniversaries are as much a celebration as a valuable opportunity to make reviews. I wish that the 75th anniversary of the United Nations will also provide such an opportunity for the whole world.

"We, as humanity, are confronting many important challenges which affect our health, economy, social peace and future, most notably the novek coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"We are faced with a picture where 170 million people around the world are in urgent need of aid and protection. The number of people suffering from hunger has exceeded 820 million, and more than 70 million people had to leave their homes due to conflicts and oppression. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated these injustices and inequalities in the world.

'Excessive greed, egoism, colonialism...'

"As the most generous country in terms of aid taking into consideration the ratio of Turkish assistance to its GDP, we tried to alleviate the problems caused by the pandemic with our available means.

"In this process, while attending to the needs of our own citizens, we have also sent medical equipment and aid materials to 146 countries of the world, regardless of religion, language, race or continent.

"However, excessive greed, egoism, monopolization of power and the desire to continue colonialism using new methods is the biggest obstacle to the distribution of justice in the global system.

"Failure to achieve stability in various parts of the world, especially in Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Afghanistan, is a proof of this.

'We must first reform the Security Council'

"Despite the ideals that have been set out, the United Nations system can neither prevent conflicts nor end those that have already begun.

"We all see now that we cannot overcome today's challenges through structures designed for the needs of the previous century. In order to empower the United Nations system again, we must first reform the Security Council. A Council with a structure that leaves the fate of 7 billion people at the mercy of 5 countries is not fair, and it is not sustainable either.

"A Council architecture that is democratic, transparent, accountable, effective and based on an equitable representation has become a necessity - rather than a choice - for humanity.

"I believe that strengthening and revitalizing the United Nations General Assembly will contribute to finding solutions to our problems.

'Transform İstanbul into a UN center'

"The transformation of Istanbul, the crossroads of continents, into a United Nations Centre will also support global peace and stability efforts.

"The fact that Ambassador Volkan Bozkır, a senior diplomat and politician, assumed his duties as President of the 75th General Assembly is not only a source of pride for Turkey, but also a chance for the international community.

"I would like to thank you for the kind consideration you have shown to Turkey, and on this occasion, I would like to state once more that we will continue to support and contribute to the work of the United Nations system. I salute everyone with respect." (EKN/SD)