Gul: We Must Take Strength From Our Common Heritage Which Offers A Rational And Humanistic Understanding Of The World

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday, ``as the Islamic countries, we must take strength from our common heritage which offers a rational and humanistic understanding of the world.``
Speaking at the 31st session of Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul, Gul said, ``we meet again at a very crucial time. The Arab-Israeli conflict with the question of Palestine at its core is bleeding hopes away. Iraq has yet to show a genuine sign towards stability. Africa`s problems remain to be solved. Terrorism is expanding its scope and intensifying in ferocity. Sense of security is fast diminishing. The continuing political, social and economic deprivation is bringing greater instability. Those preaching clash of civilizations are winning more attentive ears. Prejudices, fanaticism and discrimination are everywhere. And, insecurity is now threatening a global economic downturn.``
``We, as the Islamic countries, are affected by all these issues directly. Therefore, we need to rise to the challenge. This is not a matter of choice; it is a mission dictated by our common heritage and our deep sense of history. Our task may be difficult. However, we must not fall to desperation. We must take strength from our common heritage which offers a rational and humanistic understanding of the world. This quality of Islamic culture and tradition has produced remarkable achievements in the past. But it is not enough to content ourselves with the old times. Our present challenge is to work for similar achievements today and in the future,`` he said.
Gul noted, ``it is gratifying to see that many fellow OIC members feel the need for improved quality of political and social standards. Even within the past one year, we have witnessed individual and collective efforts towards this end.``
``There has been an increasing interest both in the West and the East in Turkey`s experience in harmonizing contemporary values with the traditional identity. Indeed, human rights, gender equality and realization of universal standards including the European political criteria by a Muslim society has been welcomed by all,`` he stressed.
Gul listed common values as, ``the sovereign nations that make up the OIC are determined to further the political, economic, social and cultural progress of their societies; equality and freedom of their citizens is their cherished principle; transparency and accountability are guiding principles of good governance; broadening the representative nature and democratic practices of government is a constant objective; providing contemporary education to all its citizens is an essential function of the government; and sustainable economic and social development should be pursued vigorously and efforts should be deployed in reducing poverty.``
He enumerated collective efforts as, ``the OIC members should assist each other in their efforts for progress and reform; the OIC, as an institution, should devise ways and means for supporting the reforms in a collective framework; also for the purpose of shouldering these tasks, the OIC needs to make a determined effort to adapt its secretariat to the growing demands of today.``
``The OIC should develop and increase institutional relations with other regional organizations such as the Arab League, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the D-8, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the African Union, the ASEAN, the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, for the purpose of fostering intra and inter-regional cooperation and for drawing expertise and resources for the OIC members` national projects. These institutional relations should also help strengthen global harmony and attract meaningful interest in the settlement of the regional disputes,`` he said.
Gul added, ``I also look forward to the convening of the second OIC-EU joint forum in Istanbul next October. This meeting will take place at a time when the need for cooperation and mutual understanding becomes more important than ever.``
GUL: IT IS TIME FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ENGAGE IN DIRECT ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAS CONTACTS WITH TURKISH CYPRIOTS
Gul said, ``the United Nations Settlement Plan was overwhelmingly rejected by the Greek Cypriot side on April 24, 2004, while the Turkish Cypriots approved it with a clear majority. This vote has fundamentally changed the circumstances in Cyprus. The international organizations and many countries expressed regret over the Greek Cypriot attitude. They all welcomed the Turkish Cypriots` determination for the settlement.``
``OIC Secretary General Dr. Belkeziz reported that the international community, and the Muslim countries in particular, should work together to address the plight of the Turkish Cypriots by supporting them materially and politically. Also, the first ever official visit of the OIC Secretary General on May 28, 2004 to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was most timely and meaningful. I commend this action of solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots,`` he stressed.
Gul noted, ``The United Nations Secretary-General, in his recent report, calls on all states to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development.``
``Now it is high time for the international community to give full backing to the Turkish Cypriots by engaging in direct economic, commercial, social and cultural contacts with them. The EU and the United States have already taken some steps with a view to putting an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots,`` he emphasized.
Gul added, ``our current meeting is an opportunity for this organization and the Islamic World to extend full support to Turkish Cypriot Muslim brothers, so as to put an end to their isolation.``
GUL: IRAQ REMAINS INSECURE AND VOLATILE
Gul said, ``Iraq now has an interim government that will assume sovereignty by the end of this month. We wish this government to be successful. We wish they prove to serve the collective interests of the Iraqi people in their entirety. We wish they remain conscious that the source of legitimacy of this interim government ultimately lies with the people.``
``I commend Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, the Special Advisor of the United Nations Secretary General, is helping move forward the transition in Iraq. I hope the United Nations will be able to play its independent and effective role in assisting the Iraqis in institution-building and election preparation in the months ahead,`` he said.
Gul stressed, ``Iraq meanwhile remains insecure and volatile. Violence and terror in Iraq need to be dealt with. This is essential for the transformation and the rebuilding of the country. The international community should support the Iraqi people in this process. It is a moral obligation for us. It is also an investment for regional peace and stability. In this respect, we welcome the unanimously adopted UN Security Council resolution 1546.``
``The neighboring countries of Iraq have supported this country`s free and peaceful future since the onset of the Iraqi crisis. This continuing joint initiative is a great asset for the integrity and the stability of Iraq,`` he said.
Gul added, ``the OIC has a meaningful role to play in Iraq. Furthermore, UN Security Council Resolution 1546 calls upon international and regional organizations to contribute to Iraq`s stability. Therefore, we should elaborate on ways on how to assist the political process as well as the humanitarian needs in Iraq. Turkey, during its Chairmanship of the ICFM, will pay particular attention to this point.``
GUL: I BELIEVE FULL SUPPORT WILL BE EXPENDED TO IHSANOGLU
Gul said, ``Ihsanoglu has long been a household name for our organization as the successful director general of IRCICA. I do not need to repeat here what we all already know about this professional, academic and administrative credentials. I am confident that the will have more to offer as the Secretary-General of the Organization.``
``My government has an increasing interest in revitalizing the OIC and its Secretariat. The OIC needs to continue to move forward as an institution. We want to contribute to this in every possible way we can. It is in this spirit that my Government has decided to nominate a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the OIC,`` he noted.
Gul said, ``Turkey will do its utmost over the next year as the Chairman of the ICFM to rise up to the challenges facing the Organization. We are confident that we can count on your full support.``
``The question of Palestine has become even more acute over the past year. Violence claimed many more innocent lives. The destruction brought by the policies of Israel deprived thousands of more Palestinians of even minimum requirements for living. The Palestinian Authority remains mainly incapacitated. Turkey has all along stated that the employment of terror, suicide missions, targeted assassinations and deliberate destruction can bring no good to any party either now or in the longer run. I would like to draw the attention of the international community once more to the urgency of the solution of this problem which, coupled with the situation in Iraq, continues to undermine global peace and harmony,`` Gul noted.
Abdullah Gul stressed that, ``in this regard, I commend the initiative taken by Malaysia, the OIC Summit Chairman. The Special Ministerial meeting held last April has led to a well-organized diplomatic activity. The OIC Ministerial delegation, including Turkey, has thus far met three of the four Quartet partners. Our message to the sponsors of the road-map has been clear. The OIC will actively stand behind genuine movement towards settlement, and the OIC will be watchful of all concerned parties.``
He said, ``inspired also by the Arab Peace Initiative, based on the wise ideas of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the OIC can oversee the process to achieve the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. We can do the same for Israel`s peace with Syria and Lebanon, based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. This can be achieved through the OIC mechanisms already available. Thus, the OIC, from its political and moral high ground, can offer full normalization and cooperation in the region.``
-AFRICA-
Gul said, ``Africa needs our particular attention. The longstanding problems of economic development, health and famine continue to undermine the nations of this continent. Regional conflicts make their challenges even more difficult. The need to support sustainable development and social progress in Africa is an international responsibility of which we need to take our share.``
-AFGHANISTAN-
``Concerning Afghanistan, we are pleased that the Bonn process is being implemented successfully despite difficulties. Adoption of the new constitution is an important step towards the establishment of a new political structure in Afghanistan. With the upcoming elections in September, a new chapter will be opened. To maintain the pace of this progress, Afghanistan needs the continued commitment of the international community. Turkey will continue its support to Afghanistan,`` Gul noted.
-JAMMU AND KASHMIR-
Foreign Minister Gul said ``we remained concerned by the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Its people have already suffered greatly. This question undermines the stability of the whole region. We look forward to a peaceful solution to this question through dialogue, on the basis of international legitimacy. The human rights of the Kahsmiri people should be fully respected and their will honored as mandated by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The 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 these efforts will be crowned with success this time.``
-AZERI-ARMENIAN CONFLICT-
Gul stressed that the Azeri-Armenian conflict still stands as one of the principle obstacles to regional stability, prosperity and cooperation in Southern Caucasia. The time has come to find a peaceful solution to this conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories has to be brought to an end. This is in the interest of the regional countries as well as the international community. Turkey is ready to play its role in settling this issue.
``International terrorism is widening its reach and increasing in ferocity. It continues to claim lives and hopes around the world. Terrorism has not religion, ethnicity or culture. It is an affront to the humanity. Therefore, it must be fought back resolutely,`` he pointed out
-MUSLIM MINORITY-
``For many years, the OIC has been monitoring the conditions of the Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace. This minority has vested rights based on bilateral agreements and international instruments. However, they are not yet able to enjoy these basic minority rights to the full extend. The OIC therefore needs to continue to follow the Turkish Muslim minority`s plight closely. I hope my Government`s improving relations and dialogue with Greece will also contribute to the betterment of this minority`s conditions,`` Gul stated.
-ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OF OIC-
``The economic and commercial activities of the OIC constitute one of the main pillars of our cooperation. The Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), chaired by the President of Turkey, has been a highly effective instrument in this respect. And this year marks the 20th anniversary of its inception. A special meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade will be organized to mark this and to evaluate the perspectives of further economic-commercial cooperation among us,`` Gul said.
Gul emphasized, ``this year, we are also pleased to see the Framework Agreement for the Trade Preferential System among the Member Countries of the OIC coming into force. This is indeed a landmark. The Trade Negotiating Committee formed under this agreement has also held its first meeting recently in Turkey.``
`` In this respect, I would also like to express my Government`s continued support for the activities of the two successful subsidiary organs of the OIC hosted by Turkey, namely IRCICA and SESRTCIC,`` he noted.
Gul said, ``I tried to address a number of major issues for our organization. Many more vital matters constitute part of our agenda. Dealing with these requires year-round dedication and hard work. That is where the role of the Secretariat becomes crucial.

(AY-AÖ) 14.06.2004