ANKARA - Turkey could not accept Turkish Cypriot people's being unjustly treated because of a result for which they were not responsible, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Tuesday.
Sezer sent a message to the 20th meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) Follow-up Committee.
In his message, Sezer said that COMCEC enabled improvement of economic and commercial cooperation among member countries and continued to be an important forum of cooperation for member countries.
Sezer noted that it was important for COMCEC to develop cooperation mechanisms, take new steps for the future and to develop institutional infrastructure in the rapidly changing international conditions.
COMCEC meeting to be held in November would be beneficial to evaluate activities carried out for the last 20 years, Sezer stated.
Sezer expressed belief that discussion of increase of trade and investments in the OIC and development of private sector in COMCEC's November meeting would be beneficial.
Touching on Cyprus issue, Sezer said that a new situation had occurred in Cyprus after separate simultaneous referenda held in the island on April 24.
Sezer expressed thought that everybody should see that reality now and said, ''we expect Islam world to help Turkish Cypriot nation's efforts to integrate with the world and end every kind of restrictions and embargo on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in this current situation in the island.''
''I would also like to touch on some developments in the Middle East which cause sorrow and concern in the Islam world. We regret that COMCEC member Iraq is experiencing difficult days. Stability and security can't be restored as desired in Iraq after the military operation. Unfortunately, difficulties in meeting daily needs of Iraqi people continue. Increasing violence not only obstructs efforts to reconstruct Iraq and start political process in the country but also creates an atmosphere which strengthens centrifugal tendencies. In this context, an Iraq, in which all groups can make their voice be heard, in which they equally take place in reconstruction efforts and political process, in which territorial integrity and political unity are preserved, in which Iraqi people are harmonious with each other, their neighbors and international community, and in which internal harmony and unity are ensured, should be our main target,'' Sezer said.
Sezer went on saying, ''all Islam world has deep concerns over ongoing insolubility in Palestinian-Israeli dispute and the worsening situation in the region. I would like to stress that the dispute should be solved within the framework of United Nations (UN) Security Council's resolutions no 242 and 338 and the resolution no 1,397 which envisages a regional understanding in which Israel and Palestine can live beside each other within secure and recognized borders. Settlement of fair, lasting and comprehensive peace will contribute to further improvement of stability and security in the region.''
''We think that implementation of the Road Map for a final and lasting solution is the only alternative. Re-opening of communication channels is a prior and important issue. Turkey has welcomed the UN Security Council resolution no 1,515 adopted unanimously regarding the Road Map,'' Sezer said.
Sezer expressed belief that Syrian and Lebanon channels should also be revived, taking action from the thought that peace could be lasting only if it was comprehensive.
Turkey would continue to be determined to contribute to efforts to restore peace in the Middle East, Sezer said.
Sezer added, ''I would like to reiterate my belief that improvement of economic and commercial cooperation among our countries will contribute to improvement of international cooperation and I hope that our cooperation efforts will help increase of prosperity of our nations, decrease of poverty and development of member countries. I wish that your deliberations will be beneficial to our searches for prosperity and peace.''
(BRC-AÖ) 11.05.2004