REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY ISMAIL CEM
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
AT THE 56TH SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

TURKISH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

12 November 2001

Excerpt

. . .

The question of Iraq also remains unresolved. We look forward to a speedy normalization of Iraq’s relations with the international community, based on compliance with relevant UN Resolutions. The international community must also provide Iraq with the right incentives, so that the Iraqi people can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

At the same time, it is essential that Iraq’s territorial integrity and sovereignty be preserved. While Turkey is a key country in enforcing the sanctions, we have also been seriously victimized alongside Iraq. Our net economic losses run into tens of billions of dollars and keep growing by the day. In this regard, we believe better use has to be made of Article 50 of the UN Charter, in order to minimize collateral damage to third parties.

. . .