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  • ANKARA: Gul's Address at OIC Meeting in Yemen

    Zaman, Turkey
    July 2 2005

    Gul's Address at OIC Meeting in Yemen


    Published: Sunday July 03, 2005
    zaman.com



    Mr. Chairman,
    Mr. Secretary General,
    Distinguished Colleagues,


    32nd ICFM in Sanaa is taking place at a very interesting juncture of
    political and social transformation in the world.

    OIC is at a cross-roads where its ability to effectively respond to
    the growing requirements of its member states will be tested.

    In recent years, a consensus has been reached among our Heads of
    State on the need to reform the OIC. Turkish Government fully
    supports the process of reform and renewal within OIC and its
    Secretariat. The reform exercise must be carried out in full
    transparency and with a solid consensus on the part of the member
    states.

    Subsequently, the reform process must include elements such as the
    conduct of an objective review of OIC's Charter, streamlining and
    strengthening of its resources, and creation of a number of forward
    looking, effective units which will operate in cooperation with UN
    and other prominent international organizations.

    We are looking forward to hearing the views and proposals of the
    member states on the report and the recommendations of the Eminent
    Persons Group.

    We also welcome Secretary General's initiatives and stand ready to
    support them in every possible way we can in the process to enhance
    further the Organization's effectiveness.

    Dear Colleagues,

    International organizations capable of contributing to resolution of
    conflicts and keeping the pace with the universal dynamics have a
    stronger voice in today's world.

    Therefore, it is of vital importance that the Organization of the
    Islamic Conference clearly demonstrates its ability and willingness
    of establishing or contributing to peace making, conflict prevention
    and confidence building mechanisms. Such a mission is an urgent need
    in our geography where inner conflicts tend to be chronicle and
    international unless they are diagnosed and cured locally or
    regionally.

    Challenges from terrorism to weapons of mass destruction also need to
    be faced collectively.

    The Organization should, on the other hand monitor and contribute to
    political, social and economic progress in the member countries.

    It is with this understanding that Turkey proposed a draft resolution
    on the reform efforts in the Muslim world.

    On this occasion, I should recall certain principles which should not
    be ignored in this regard.

    First, the reforms must come from within and not imposed from
    outside.

    Second, the reforms should be genuine and should be based on legal
    frameworks to provide sustainability especially in the economic
    field.

    Third, they should be based on common and universal values, such as
    the protection of fundamental rights including gender equality and
    ensuring of accountability, transparency and rule of law.

    Fourth, the process must be flexible enough to allow progress,

    Fifth, the reforms must be designed taking into consideration the
    nature and requirements of every society,

    Sixth, they must be implemented gradually.

    It is with these thoughts that we believe it is high time for the OIC
    to take the initiative and serve as a platform to share ideas,
    experiences and become a forward-looking global partner.

    Our civil societies can also contribute to this process targeting
    good governance and rational use of resources.

    Another challenge we should tackle collectively is the serious rise
    of prejudices and attitudes against certain races, cultures and
    creeds including Islam in some parts of the world.

    A meaningful political and cultural dialogue and action will be some
    of the effective ways of countering anti-Islamic campaigns and
    Islamophobia.

    In this context, in concert with Turkey's initiatives, this year
    Council of Europe recognized Islamophobia as a "dangerous inclination
    that has to be fought against" and appealed to encourage
    inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. This has been an
    important step forward.

    Also worth reporting to you has been, OSCE Chairman's designation of
    a Turkish diplomat, as his "Personal Representative on Combating
    Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims".

    Distinguished Delegates,

    If you allow me, I shall briefly express my views on a number of
    salient issues that will occupy the OIC agenda in the forseable
    future.

    In the Middle East, there seems to emerge a clearer international
    consensus on what a negotiated settlement would look like. The key
    elements will include an end to occupation and violence, leading to a
    viable state of Palestine on its own territories, secure and
    respected within recognized borders, as set out in UN Security
    Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

    We welcome the resumption of high level contacts between the parties,
    the ceasefire declared at the Sharm el Sheikh Summit and the ensuing
    steps taken. We hope the understanding to implement the disengagement
    plan in coordination with the Palestinian side is maintained
    throughout the process and it leads to the revival of the
    negotiations on the basis of the Road Map.

    Turkey is favorably disposed to play a constructive role to
    complement efforts in this direction. Currently Turkey maintains its
    contribution to the "Temporary International Presence in Hebron
    (TIPH)." and gradually upgrades its assistance to the process.

    Recently my Government donated 25.000 police uniforms to the
    Palestinians, pledged 5 million Dollars to be used as project
    assistance and opened, in Ramallah, an office of the Turkish
    International Cooperation Agency. Our contributions will continue.

    We continue to strongly advise the parties that terror and violence
    should not be allowed to derail the tentative process this time. As a
    demonstration of our general understanding and policy, both myself
    and the Turkish Prime Minister visited the region that Turkey stands
    ready to contribute more actively to the process.

    We applaud the OIC Secretary General's first ever visit to Palestine
    on 23-25 May 2005 as a remarkable initiative of extending political
    and moral support to the Palestinian people.

    Despite continuing anguish and suffering of the Iraqi people, Iraq
    has entered into a crucial phase of her history.

    I can say that whatever the outcome of the transition in Iraq, it
    will have a major impact throughout the OIC region and beyond.

    During the constitution drafting process that the Iraqis are now
    embarking on, the Iraqis will have to achieve broad participation and
    consensus among themselves especially on issues of national
    character.

    Turkey is committed to a politically united, democratic, and stable
    Iraq with her territorial integrity intact. Iraq should be at peace
    with its own people and neighbors and should be free from terrorism
    of all kind. This position has been happily shared by all parties at
    the recent meeting of Iraq's neighbors in Istanbul, and during the
    Brussels international conference of last week.

    We are pleased to observe that the Bonn process regarding the
    political reconstruction of Afghanistan is moving forward despite
    hurdles and difficulties.

    Turkey having commanded ISAF two terms since the inception of the
    Bonn process remains fully committed to lasting peace and rule of law
    in Afghanistan and we shall continue supporting our Afghan brothers
    in their long, but proud journey towards peace and stability.

    Turkey, within the context of its "Policy of Opening Up to Africa"
    has declared 2005 as the "Year of Africa". Subsequently we promote
    several UN regional peace initiatives and similarly welcome the New
    Economic Partnership for Africa's Development. Undoubtedly, African
    solutions to Africa's problems should be supported and nurtured. At
    this time the world's neglect and abandonment of Africa needs to be
    reversed.

    We remain concerned by the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
    People there have already suffered greatly. This question continues
    to undermine the stability of the whole region. We look forward to a
    peaceful solution through dialogue, on the basis of international
    legitimacy.

    The human rights of the Kashmiri people should be fully respected and
    their will honored as mandated by the relevant UN Security Council
    resolutions.

    Recent moves made by both Pakistan and India; and the process of
    "composite dialogue" have increased our hopes. We commend Pakistan
    for its continued efforts to sustain this dialogue. We wish to see
    that these efforts are crowned with success this time.

    The Azeri-Armenian conflict which is a result of occupation of Azeri
    territories by Armenia, still stands as one of the principal
    obstacles to regional stability, prosperity and cooperation in
    Southern Caucasus. The time has come to find a peaceful solution to
    this conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Turkey
    is actively encouraging the recent efforts towards a settlement of
    this conflict.

    Despite Turkish Cypriots' strong bid for a peaceful solution and
    Turkey's forthcoming constructive diplomacy, the Cyprus question
    remains unsettled due to Greek Cypriot rejection of the international
    efforts.

    Moreover, Greek Cypriot leadership ignores repeated calls of the UN
    Secretary General, the decision of the EU Council, as well as the OIC
    resolutions on lifting of the embargoes on and the isolation of the
    Turkish Cypriot people.

    We appreciate the steps taken by some countries towards the Turkish
    Cypriots. However, Islamic countries need to do more in this
    direction, since continuing isolation will only deepen the sense of
    resentment and distrust of the Turkish Cypriots.

    An end to the unjust isolation of Turkish Cypriots seems to be the
    only way that could direct all the parties for a comprehensive
    settlement which Turkey advocates for years.

    Turkey will maintain its positive posture towards finding a solution
    to the Cyprus problem. We will continue to cooperate with the UN
    Secretary-General and support his efforts. Our current meeting is one
    that would suit best for the Islamic World to extend support to their
    Turkish Cypriot brothers so as to put an end to their isolation.

    The Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace continues to face
    restrictions and impediments mainly in the fields of religious
    rights, charitable foundations, recognition of ethnic identity, and
    freedom of association in contravention to Greece's "Treaty
    Obligations".

    For many years, the OIC has been monitoring the conditions of the
    Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace. Under the present
    circumstances it would only be appropriate to maintain the focus on
    the situation and continue urging Greece to fulfill its treaty
    obligations.

    Dear Colleagues,

    Turkey became a candidate for one of the non-permanent seats at the
    United Nations Security Council for the term 2009-2010. We are
    thankful to those member states who have already expressed their
    support to our candidacy and look forward to the favorable attitude
    of the others.

    As an important part of the agenda and work of the OIC, development
    of economic cooperation, trade and tourism promotion stand out among
    highest priorities within our organization.

    Throughout the last 20 years as the permanent Chairman of the COMCEC
    Turkey contributed to the creation of important mechanisms and the
    preparation of the OIC Plan of Action for Economic and Commercial
    Cooperation.

    I am glad to announce today that the first round of negotiations
    regarding the Establishment of a Trade Preferential System among OIC
    Member States has been successfully completed in Antalya in April
    this year.

    Trade Negotiation Committee prepared a Draft Protocol and this
    document has been circulated to the member governments for
    consideration. Currently we are looking forward to finalizing and
    concluding this protocol.

    On the other hand, the two OIC bodies that Turkey hosts namely IRCICA
    and SESTRIC have continued with their successful work.

    We also hope to host the headquarters of the OIC Youth Forum for
    Dialogue and Cooperation in Istanbul.

    Dear Colleagues,

    Turkey has been among the leading countries to provide assistance to
    tsunami victims and affected countries. In my capacity as the
    Chairman of the ICFM, I circulated a letter to the Foreign Ministers
    of the member states inviting them to take action to provide
    emergency humanitarian assistance.

    Subsequently the "OIC Alliance to Safeguard Children Victims of the
    Tsunami" project has been launched. In response to Secretary
    General's appeal for this campaign it is with great pleasure that I
    will present to the Secretary General Turkey's 1 million Dollars to
    this important OIC project.

    Before departing Turkey for Yemen, the Director of the World Health
    Organization approached us to convey to the Secretary General and the
    member states the appeal of the WHO for cooperation. WHO is concerned
    about the difficulties faced in the fight against polio in some of
    the OIC countries. We believe that OIC can and should adopt a more
    active stance in combating this dangerous epidemic.

    In conclusion, I would like to thank you all once again, and
    reiterate our gratitude to the Government and the people of the
    Republic of Yemen.

    Speech by H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
    Minister of the Republic of Turkey
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