The report published in yesterday’s Habertürk issue on both the numerous, and ultimately unfulfilled pledges of Turkey for securing her election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for the period 2009-2010 as well as the consequent resignation of Ambassador Baki İlkin is not correct.

As known, in accordance with her rising political and economic profile on the international arena, Turkey is striving to contribute to disaster relief and crisis solution worldwide. Furthermore, this recent active foreign policy of Turkey is reflected in the area of humanitarian and development aid which has currently reached a level comparable to developed nations. Due to this assistance, Turkey is now being considered internationally as an “emerging donor country”. This sensitivity is sustained irrespective of the Security Council membership.

Permanent Representative Ambassador Baki İlkin has never expressed concern about the Foreign Ministry’s support he obtained; either during the election campaign or in the course of the membership to the UN Security Council. Ambassador İlkin – whose tenure has been extended to encompass the transitional period – is in charge as the Head of the Turkish Mission in New York.