ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell attended a protocol signing ceremony between the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Human Resources Development Foundation about establishment of a shelter for victims of human trafficking.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gul said, ``the signing of this protocol, enabling the establishment of a shelter for victims of human trafficking, is a very much welcomed step for my government. These unfortunate people will be cared for and provided assistance in this shelter.``
``I am also honored to share this occasion with my colleague and friend U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell,`` he said.
Stressing that trafficking in human beings had unfortunately developed world wide, affecting all, Gul noted, ``it has become a highly lucrative business, run by criminal networks. Combating these activities has become transnational and complex. This effort requires special strategies dealing with all of its aspects. We need a firm and effective international cooperation and coordination. This problem cannot be treated as a national issue neither for origin, transit, nor destination countries. Noting the fast increase in trafficking in human beings, the international community has taken action to combat this scourge.``
``In this framework, we welcome the NATO Policy on combating trafficking in human beings. This is yet another significant step at international level against this modern day slavery. We have proposed bilateral cooperation to the main countries of origin: Countries whose nationals target Turkey in search of better living standards and fall victims to the organized trafficking networks. Nevertheless Turkey actively supports the counter-trafficking activities of the international organization,`` he said.
Gul added, ``Turkey is fully committed to fighting against trafficking in persons. To this end, our relevant authorities have joined forces to combat this serious abuse of human rights.``
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Powell said in his part that the United States attributed great importance to combat with human trafficking, noting that they had encouraged all countries to join them in that combat.
He highlighted importance of cooperation with non-governmental organizations in the combat.
Later, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Ramazan Evren and Human Resources Development Foundation Chairman Turgut Tokus signed the protocol.
(UK-AÖ) 29.06.2004