Turkey, 1988



It gives me great pleasure to extend warm

congratulations to Mr. Dante Caputo of Argentina on his election to the presidency

of the forty-third session of the General Assembly. We are meeting at an

auspicious time when there are encouraging developments on the world political

scene. I am confident that under his guidance this session will contribute to the

further improvement of the international atmosphere by addressing the issues before

it with vision and wisdom.

I should like also to pay a tribute to the President of the forty-second session, Mr. Peter Florin of the German Democratic Republic, who presided over a

particularly busy session, as well as the fifteenth special session of the General

Assembly. This year we are witnessing a growing and more effective role for the United Nations in the peaceful settlement of regional problems. We hope that the momentum

for peace-making efforts will be maintained, so as to contribute to the achievement

of lasting solutions based on realism and justice.

In this connection I should like to pay a special tribute to the

Secretary-General, whose diplomatic skill, patience and resolve we admire. I should like to reaffirm our full support for his untiring efforts in the service of the United Nations. We rejoice at the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations in recognition of the contribution of the Organization to wor1d peace.

The positive implications of the ongoing dialogue between the United States

and the Soviet union underline the impact of East-West relations on the

international atmosphere. The international setting today is much more favourable

in comparison with the early 1980s for making progress on international issues. It

is important to maintain and build on this trend.

In the past 12 months the negotiations between the United States and the

Soviet Union have started to yield concrete results. The conclusion and

ratification of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and

Shorter-Range Missiles - the INF Treaty - has been a historic step resulting in the elimination of an entire class of nuclear weapons. An agreement on the substantial reduction of strategic arms between the United States and the Soviet Union would be another fundamental development in the process of nuclear arms control. We welcome the progress made during the Moscow summit meeting with respect to those issues and hope that the entire range of arms control and disarmament issues will continue to be seriously and effectively addressed.

The convening of the third special session of the United Nations General

Assembly devoted to disarmament last June also provided a welcome opportunity for

extensive consideration of the issues involved in the arms control field. This

exercise has been useful in identifying various approaches to the disarmament

process and the different perceptions, interests and priorities of Member States.

It has confirmed the close relationship between disarmament and the security concerns of all States and the maintenance of international peace and security. Arm control and disarmament constitute a comprehensive process, encompassing nuclear as wall as conventional and chemical weapons. We hope that a convention banning chemical weapons on a global basis, accompanied by effective verification

measures, will be finalized soon. We welcome President Reagan's constructive and

timely proposal for the convening of an international conference on this question.

It is imperative to keep in sight the integrated nature of the endeavours in the

various fields of arms cont.ro1- The asymmetries between the conventional forces of

the two major alliance systems under line the need for addressing the question of

the overall strategic relationship in a more comprehensive way_ In this connection

we hope that agreement will soon be reached on the mandate of the conventional

stability talks to be held between the 23 members of the two military alliances.

The success of arms control initiatives depends in the first instance on the

establishment of an environment of confidence among the parties concerned. I

should like to underline in this connection the significance of the measures

undertaken within the framework of the process of the Conference on security and

Co-operation in Europe (CSCE). Turkey attaches great importance to the confidence and

security-building measures adopted at the Stockholm Conference in 1986. We

hope it will be possible to agree on the mandate of future negotiations among the

35 States participating in the CSCE in order to expand the results of the Stockholm

Conference.

Considering the growing need to extend those efforts to other regions of the

world, in order to reduce tensions and enhance stability, a resolution envisaging a

similar process adapted to the special requirements of the Islamic countries was approved at the 17th session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held

recently in Amman.

I would be remiss if I did not stress that arms control agreements and

confidence-building measures will not suffice if they are not effectively

complemented by respect for fundamental human rights on a global scale. Turkey is

proud of its record in this respect and on the fortieth anniversary of the adoption

of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights I am glad to say that Turkey has been

the first country to ratify the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture

and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishments, of the Council of Europe. We

have also ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

We attach particular importance to cultivating peaceful and friendly relations

with all our neighbours and the countries of our region. Fully aware of the

interrelationship between security and prosperity, we wish to develop closer and

better relations and mutually beneficial co-operation with all of them. We are

fully committed to the peaceful settlement of existing differences through a

process of substantive and meaningful negotiations.

For the first time in history, the Foreign Ministers of the six Balkan

countries came together in Belgrade last February to consider the possibilities for

developing lasting multilateral co-operation. Inter-Balkan friendship and

co-operation have always been a priority foreign policy objective of Turkey since

the early days of our Republic. we are therefore determined to continue to play a

constructive and dynamic role in order to contribute to the creation of an

atmosphere of confidence among the Balkan countries. As we stressed in Belgrade,

respect for human rights is a prerequisite for the emergence of such an atmosphere.

With this understanding we have initiated a dialogue with Bulgaria. The

Protocol that the two parties signed sets out the prerequisites and the mechanism

for the normalization of Turkish-Bulgarian relations. Our relations are heavily

affected by the situation of the Turkish Muslim minority in Bulgaria, a

humanitarian question also involving contractual obligations. Both Turkish and

world public opinion await a prompt and satisfactory solution to this problem. The

ongoing process has not yet brought about any concrete results. Improved prospects

for the Turkish Muslim minority will certainly lead to a new era of friendly and

co-operative relations between the two countries. We continue to hope that

Bulgaria will take the necessary action to ensure the creation of an atmosphere

conducive to this end.

During the past year important steps have been taken for bringing regional

conflicts to an end.

The Afghanistan talks were successfully concluded with the signing of the

Geneva Accords in April. Foremost among many factors, the perseverance and the

sacrifices of the Afghan resistance and the patient efforts of the

secretary-General and his Personal Representative made that achievement possible.

Pakistan has sheltered millions of Afghan refugees and has been instrumental

in the shaping of international reaction to the situation in Afghanistan for the

past eight years. The international community is greatly indebted to Pakistan for

those efforts. The creation of the necessary objective conditions for the

voluntary return of the Afghan refugees is another important task which has to be

faced.

Grievous devastation has been inflicted upon Afghanistan. A major

international effort will be required for the reconstruction of the country. We

welcome the initiative taken by the international community to come to the

assistance of Afghanistan, and salute the efforts made by Prince Sadruddin Agha Khan

to co-ordinate international action that has been taken. Turkey intends to

contribute substantively to the reconstruction and the economic revitalization of

Afghanistan following the establishment of a representative Government.

The cease-fire which has put an end to eight years of suffering between Iran

and Iraq came as a great relief to the whole world. A special tribute should be

paid to the secretary-General for his dedicated efforts, which have substantially

contributed to bringing about the cease-fire between our two friends and

neighbours. We welcome the holding of talks between Iran and Iraq and fully

support diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace between them. We know that

this will be a long and arduous process. As a country which maintains a sustained

and continuous dialogue with both parties, we are ready to contribute to the best

of our .ability to the progress of the peace process and to the prohibition of an

atmosphere of understanding and mutual trust.

The effects of this conflict have not been limited to the warring parties but

have been seriously felt in the whole area. In order to avoid the occurrence of

similar conflicts, intensive efforts should be deployed to create an atmosphere of mutual trust in the region and to re-establish a climate of confidence among the

countries there.

As a country respectful of fundamental human rights, Turkey has recently accepted, on purely humanitarian grounds, tens of thousands of persons coming from Iraq and has provided them with food, shelter and medical care. This is not the first time that we have welcomed large numbers of persons on our soil. Our history abounds with similar examples.

Since the end of last year Palestinian resistance in the occupied territories has dominated developments in the Middle East. We regard this continuing popular resistance to Israeli occupation as an expression of the long-standing frustration and suffering of the Palestinian people and of their desire to achieve their national aspirations.

We believe that the ongoing uprising is a constant reminder to all the parties concerned, including Israel, and to the world of the urgent need to find a just and lasting solution to the Middle East question. Turkey believes that such a solution can be brought about only on the basis of the withdrawal by Israel from the territories occupied since 1967 and the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, including their right to self-determination with all that this implies. Such a solution should also recognize the right of all States in the region to 1ive with in secure and recognized boundaries. We recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian peop1e. For the peace process to be viable, Palestinian participation is indispensable.

We are closely following the developments engendered by the recent statement

of His Majesty King Hussein about the severance of the administrative and legal ties between Jordan and the west Bank. That is likely to have an important impact on the Middle East peace process. We shall continue to support all Middle East

peace initiatives along the lines I have just mentioned. In this context, Turkey

would welcome the convening, with the agreement of all the parties concerned, of the International Peace Conference. We are prepared to shoulder our responsibilities in that regard, if so requested.

The situation in Lebanon continues to be another source of instability and

concern in the Middle East. We are particularly concerned about the difficulties encountered in the Lebanese presidential election. We are hoping that this latest crisis may be overcome by the Lebanese themselves, through legal means and without endangering the country's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.

I should like to stress also the importance we attach to a prompt solution of

the situation in Kampuchea. We are glad to note the positive developments which

have taken place in the past few months. The Jakarta Informal Meeting is certainly

an important beginning and a significant step aimed at putting an end to the armed

conflict in Kampuchea through the complete withdrawal of foreign troops, so as to

enable the people of Kampuchea to exercise their right to self-determination and

achieve national reconciliation. Turkey supports diplomatic activities aimed at

achieving that objective and pays a tribute to the members of the Association of

South-East Nations (ASEAN) for their efforts; they have worked so hard for the

reaching of a political settlement in Kampuchea.

In order to remove confrontation and reduce tensions in eastern Asia, we continue to attach importance to the ongoing search for a meaningful dialogue in the Korean peninsula. The humanitarian approach can be an excellent way to create

the favourable climate necessary for achieving progress. Peaceful solutions to the questions between the two sides will, we hope, lead to their eventual representation as full Members of our Organization.

The deteriorating situation in South Africa, resulting from the inhuman system

of apartheid, continues to be a source of grave concern. Unfortunately, the

political situation in South Africa has not improved during the past 12 months.

Tensions and violence continue to cause widespread human suffering in that country.

We believe that so long as South Africa has not totally abolished its

inadmissible racial policies, and has not embarked upon a real process of peaceful

democratic change, the international community should maintain its efforts. More

than ever before, the situation in South Africa requires firm conviction and

resolute action on the part of the united Nations.

The continuation of the South African occupation of Namibia, an affront to the

principle of self-determination, is another deplorable aspect of the situation in

southern Africa. It is a matter of the deepest regret that the people of Namibia,

20 years after the adoption of the United Nations plan for the independence of that

Territory, have not been able to exercise their inalienable right to

self-determination.

My Government is encouraged by the progress reported in the quadripartite talks concerning this question. We welcomed the cease-fire on 10 August 1988 as a

vital first step in the right direction. We earnestly hope that this development

will lead in the near future to the long overdue settlement of the Namibian

question through the implementation of Security Council resolution 435

a founding member of the United nations Council for Namibia, Turkey will continue to give its full support to the legitimate struggle of the people of Namibia for

independence. In this regard, my Government subscribes to the main thrust of the Istanbul Declaration and Call for Action adopted at the end of the Seminar on the

International Responsibility for Namibia's Independence, held in March in my country.

In Central America, the time that has elapsed since the signing of the peace

plan put forward by Costa Rica, and the proposals by other Central American

countries last year, demonstrate the difficulties and obstacles that exist in the

search for peace. However, we must not lose heart. The search for a peaceful

solution must go on. This search began with the Contadora process, the most comprehensive framework for addressing the political and economic problems of that region. We believe that a viable solution must emanate from the region, and I

would like to reiterate our support for all the regional efforts towards peace in central America.

We have always supported the search for a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question through direct negotiations between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek

Cypriots, under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General. Following the agreement reached in August through the secretary-General's mission of good

offices, the two sides have embarked upon a new negotiating process. We welcome this development and express our hope that this new round of negotiations will be

the beginning of the process of the achievement of a lasting settlement in Cyprus

through the establishment of a bicommunal, bizonal federation based on the

political equality of the two peoples of the island. We shall pursue our

consistent policy of supporting the efforts towards a just and lasting settlement.

As we have previously, I wish to stress here also that it is important for all

third parties to refrain from taking positions that may undermine the negotiating

process in Cyprus.

The situation of refugees throughout the world has assumed alarming

dimensions. The problem is especially severe in Africa and South-East Asia, and

urgently needs attention. The plight of the Afghan refugees is still a sombre

reality despite the Geneva Agreements. Other parts of the world are also plagued

by similar calamities.

In dealing with this problem, a comprehensive approach should be adopted,

taking into consideration of the needs of both the refugees themselves and the

countries of first refuge. Appropriate international mechanisms to this end should

be devised immediately. In this context, I would like to pay a special tribute to

the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his untiring efforts.

In view of the importance that Turkey attaches to effective international

cooperation in action against illicit trafficking in and abuse of narcotic drugs,

we welcome and support the initiatives undertaken by the United Nations in this

crucial area, especially during the last year. In this connection, we subscribe to

the proposal made by my colleague Sir Geoffrey Howe to the effect that the

international collU'll1nity should consider adopting measures for the seizure of the

assets of drug traffickers wherever they are, thus preventing the diversion of

funds to the support of such other evils as international terrorism and arms

trafficking.

As an outcome of ongoing efforts in this field, a major step will be taken at

the end of this year when the conference of plenipotentiaries adopts the new

convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Turkey welcomes this development and expects the convention to be signed and

ratified by a large number of Member states.

I have to state with profound regret that the threat posed by terrorism to

every society and to all facets of international relations has not abated. On the

contrary, acts, methods and practices of terrorism, which have been repeatedly and

unequivocally condemned by this world body, have continued to claim human lives on

an increasing scale. I feel obliged to remind the Assembly that Turkey has for

many years stressed the necessity of effective international co-operation against

terrorism in all its forms. I have to point out, however, that international

co-operation is not yet satisfactory.

I also want to reiterate that there can be no double standard on terrorism.

Attempts to differentiate between various forms of terrorism can only encourage the

culprits and lead to new acts of outrage. Those who support or tolerate terrorism

assume a grave responsibility, whatever their motives. History has shown that

those who support, tolerate or provide a haven for terrorism are bound to regret

their short-sighted policies eventually.

Let me now turn to international economic issues. As the decade of the 1980s

draws to an end the time has come for us to concentrate our efforts on policies for

the next decade. Careful planning for the 1990s stands out as a necessity for the

international community if it is to fulfill the expectations of coming generations.

Since the early 19808 the world economy has gone through very serious

difficulties. The critical external debt problem, efforts towards structural

adjustment, widespread protectionist practices and major economic imbalances have been the chief features of this period. The severe problems we have had to face in

this decade remain essentially unchanged. However, this rather dismal situation

should not cause us to give way to pessimism for the coming years. As economic

indicators demonstrate, the international outlook is better on balance than it was

in the early 1980s. The international community is more experienced and has better

insight regarding the underlying causes of the current problems.

Regarding the external debt problem, which has acquired serious dimensions,

the increased efforts on the part of debtor and creditor countries, multilateral

institutions and banks to improve the situation are encouraging. On the other

hand, the shortcomings in the structural adjustment policies of the developing

countries, the social costs of such policies and the need to consider them in a

more realistic manner are better understood. It is now evident that debtor

countries are in need of adequate external financial support as well as easy access

to international markets to boost their growth on a sustained basis. In this

respect, the launching of the Uruguay Round and the ongoing endeavours to

strengthen the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) are good opportunities

that must be seized. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the fate of both the

trade negotiations and indebtedness depends to a great extent on the expansionary

nature of the global environment, and this, in turn, depends on the elimination of

international imbalances and the restoration of higher growth in the industrialized

countries.

The erosion of multilateralism over the past decade has been highly

noticeable, despite the growing need to make the international framework more

effective. In view of the increasing interdependence that transforms national and

regional economic issues into global issues, we believe that both North and South

have much to gain from the rapid restoration of effective multilateral co-operation

and dialogue on development questions.

We regret to see the divisions between North and South. Overcoming those

divisions should be the major task of the international community. We know that

every country has its own special circumstances as well as different priorities in

the implementation of development policies. Many developing countries have a

valuable accumulation of experience in the development process, which they can

usefully share among themselves. In that respect, the middle-income countries

deserve special attention. In our view, those countries are in a position to play

a much more helpful role in contributing to the development process of others.

Since the beginning of this decade 'fur key has been in the process .of

implementing measures of economic reform. This new course of action has meant a

radical departure from previous economic policies away from inward-looking

approaches g import substitution and excessive State intervention towards a greater

play of market forces and increased liberalization of the economy. Despite the

difficulties and costs inherent in such programmes, the outcome of this new policy

orientation has been highly encouraging.

Within the framework of this new approach, while trying to expand our

relations with the developed nations, we have also set a good example of increasing

South-South co-operation. In that context, efforts have been made to enhance

economic co-operation among the Islamic countries. There has been a substantial

increase in our trade with the Middle Eastern and North African countries.

In that connection, we have allocated funds for financing technical

co-operation with 12 African countries. We have also conducted in-plant group

training programmes and provided undergraduate and graduate fellowships in Turkey.

We are pleased to see a sharper global focus on African development problems, and

we hope that the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery

and Development 1986-1990 will bear tangible results. For its part, Turkey will

continue to strengthen its co-operation and its economic ties with the African

countries.

The protection and preservation of our environment is a major task facing the

international community. It is not only an urgent and pressing problem confronting

us now; it is also a heavy responsibility that we all bear towards future

generation I regret to say that, despite all official and voluntary efforts, the

destruction of the environment continues.

Recently, another alarming development has become increasingly evident. Here

I refer to the dumping of industrial wastes in developing countries. Various forms

of waste, including toxic and chemical products and even nuclear waste, have been

shipped through various channels to developing countries where public opinion is

thought to be less sensitive to environmental questions. Illicit ways and means

have frequently been resorted to in this deadly transfer.

Even the oceans have not been spared this modern plague. A new kind of piracy

has developed, in the form of dumping waste in the high seas where coastal and

international controls cannot easily be exercised.

We believe that international conventions with effective control and

verification measures should be speedily adopted within the framework of the

General Assembly and competent international organizations such as the United

Nations Environment Programme.