Dear Frank-Walter,
Dear Colleagues,

I would like to thank the Federal Republic of Germany for hosting this timely conference.

Turkey considers the strengthening of the Palestinian judiciary and civil security as a priority for improving the daily life and socio-economic conditions of the Palestinian people. Turkey is ready to contribute by both its experience and financial support to enhance Palestinian civil security and rule of law.

To make the best use of the resources available, the projects for reinforcing the Palestinian judicial and security capacity presented to this conference, should be supported through modalities that take into consideration the comparative advantages of the donor states in these fields.

If the Palestinian police and judiciary capability is to be enhanced to provide security to the Palestinian people, their neighbours and the region as a whole, then it is vital that the projects must not be reduced to merely palliative exercises.

The Palestinian police, for example, must have access to training, arms, equipment and infrastructures fully comparable to that of other police forces around the world if it is to do the job expected of them. For this purpose, Turkey is considering developing projects for building and operating training centers for the Palestinian Police, as well as programmes for training and equipping.

In this aspect, the cooperation of Israel must be regarded as a factor that will determine whether the resources made available at this conference will be meaningful. It is encouraging that Israel is represented today at a high level and is willing to provide favourable conditions for enhancing the Palestinian judiciary and civil security.

This conference is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to support the process that began in Annapolis for stability in the Middle East and a viable and independent Palestinian state.

Thank you.