STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY ÜMÝT PAMÝR
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
OF TURKEY TO THE UN

TURKISH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

March 26, 2003

Mr. President,

Let me first add my voice to those who have congratulated you on your able presiding over the work of the Security Council at this crucially important period.

It is with a profound sense of sadness, Mr. President, that the Turkish people receive the news of the ongoing war in Iraq. We pray for an early end. We continue to hope that the loss of life will be minimal. Now, on the carcass of aborted diplomacy, every passing hour describes one truth: that the international community has reason to deeply regret the division which reigned over this Council at that critical moment of history. We are left with a call to parties to uphold the principles of international humanitarian law. We appeal to them to act in accordance with the established practices thereof.

The European Union statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Greece embodies the principles and outlook that would serve us well at this time of profound change and uncertainty. It is with this understanding that Turkey aligned itself with the position of the European Union on this issue.

Mr. President,

Turkey sincerely values its intense and multi-faceted historical and cultural ties with Iraq and its people. At times like these, however, it is first and foremost the time-honored friends that are called upon to be candid, straightforward and truthful…

It is with such feelings that I am addressing your august Council: Had Iraq provided the necessary cooperation in 1991, Mr. President, this vicious downfall spiral would have been avoided and none of its many abysmal results would have been set in motion!

This is what the sincere friends of the Iraqi people have to say today… There is much to regret, much to ponder upon with a sense of loss and dismay…

While this outright conflict is under way, the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people is of paramount importance. The "Oil-For-Food" program, being the backbone of the U.N. humanitarian assistance to Iraq should continue uninterrupted. The U.N. and its specialized agencies should be able to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. I would like to express our support to the various suggestions brought forth by the Secretariat for ensuring the smooth functioning of the said program during and in the aftermath of the present conflict. We think there is every reason to follow a pragmatic and flexible approach at this time.

Mr. President,

In view of the vast amount of sheer disinformation with regard to Turkey in the context of northern Iraq, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to pronounce once more Turkey's concerns and priorities in this matter: Turkey upholds the territorial integrity, political sovereignty and national unity of Iraq. We will support the decisions reached by the Iraqi people arrived through the employment of democratic processes. We wish to see a fully representative system put in place in Iraq.

We support attempts to that end actively as attested by the recent agreements reached in Ankara.

We believe that the natural resources of Iraq belong to all Iraqis.

Nothing, no desire, not a sliver of scheming above and below these basic parameters can be ascribed to Turkey. It is the field day for amateur strategists, and many grace our living rooms each night and day. They do not always talk with good sense and objectivity… But in no other instance some of them become more irresponsible than as they describe the relationship between the Turks and the Kurds.

Mr. President,

Notwithstanding the transparency of our policies, and our many declarations to that effect, the people of Turkey are profoundly hurt by seeing the cynical, self-righteous, and at times insulting barrage of rhetoric emanating from certain quarters.

As a matter of fact, we are at a loss in understanding why such attitudes persist in face of our repeated attempts at clarification…

We cannot allow another influx of refugees into Turkey to take place as it did in 1991. We are not convinced of the reasoning that is brought forth in explaining why such an influx would not happen this time. If it comes to that, any refugee movement should be met inside Iraq and the people in such distress provided with shelter, food and security.

We cannot allow the PKK/KADEK terrorists marauding parts of northern Iraq to abuse conditions of stability to instigate terrorism and provocation that would set in motion a vicious circle hampering the efforts of the Coalition.

Briefly, we wish to see lasting conditions of stability conducive to widespread and general human and economic development instilled in Iraq. We do not wish to see instability emerge and sabotage the efforts directed at securing the victory of an enlightened way of life that we and our allies have been working so hard to bring to fruition…

Mr. President,

At any rate, it is common knowledge that elements of Turkish Armed Forces are stationed in northern Iraq. And, they were sent there not yesterday but years before in the context of "Operation Northern Watch," which Turkey allowed to be conducted from its territory in the aftermath of the Gulf War in 1991, and thanks to which, the Kurds living in northern Iraq received protection and humanitarian relief.

We will continue to handle such delicate issues in a way to dispel any misunderstandings that might arise under the prevailing conditions in the region.

We have no intention of entering into Iraq.

Should the need for us comes to fore, we will not enter Iraq to fight, but to monitor a refugee crisis that may unfold, and to respond to our immediate concerns of security, in the vicinity of our borders.

We do not have any concealed agenda!

We are enemies of no one and we will not be an enemy for anyone!

Turkey is a bastion of stability for those who seek enlightened ends… Those who can resist the detractors of Turkey, and who have wells of wisdom to fathom, will see that they can find in Turkey always a true friend.

Thank you.