The Current International Security Environment and the Role of the UN

The 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly will take place against the backdrop of a heightened debate about how the threats to the international security environment should be dealt with and how the United Nations should be reformed. This year is significant, as a High-level Plenary Meeting will convene at the commencement of the 60’th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will enable Member States to conduct a high-level comprehensive review of the Millennium Declaration and reflect how they see the way forward regarding reform of the UN, with a view to making it a more effective tool of multilateral action.

The current international security environment continues to be challenged by various sources of instability. Terrorism, proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their delivery systems, regional instabilities and conflicts, organized crime and all forms of extremism are leading challenges that confront us today. These breed in a dire atmosphere of other threats such as poverty, the downside of globalization, economic disparities, the spread of infectious diseases and bad governance, to name a few.

The very nature of these threats requires not only vigorous policies at the national level but also effective international cooperation, together with innovative and comprehensive approaches. There is an emerging consensus that in an era defined by globalization, the well-being and security of the global community is ever more interdependent. Power projection is not the only means of combating threats the international community is facing today.

The United Nations, both in terms of the universal principles and values for which it stands, and with its primary role in the preservation of international peace and security, is the most prominent forum in which a comprehensive effort to counter these global risks and threats must be made.

On the other hand, the growing possibility of marginalization of the United Nations is a source of concern. An effective way to turn the tide is to swiftly complete the institutional reform of the United Nations. The UN is faced with the difficult twin challenge of reforming itself and at the same time serving as an effective forum for countering the threats that the international community faces today. It is also important to achieve a closer and more efficient cooperation between the UN and regional organizations to safeguard global peace and security.

Turkey will continue to formulate her contributions to international efforts in this light. The High-Level Plenary Meeting results, the Millennium Development Goals and the Secretary-General’s “In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All” report, together with other previous relevant reports will guide us in the upcoming year.

Turkey’s Candidacy to the Security Council

In a multicultural global community, Turkey employs a multidimensional foreign policy that reconciles West with East and North with South and is active in all continents. Whether in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean or in the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, Turkey’s multi-regional and multi-dimensional foreign and security policy will continue to contribute to the global role of the UN. It is with this understanding that the Government has declared its candidature for a seat at the Security Council for the years 2009-2010. Enjoying membership and having accumulated experience in a multitude of international organizations representing various regions and cultures, Turkey is well placed to contribute to the UN efforts for the promotion of international peace and security and for the alliance among civilizations through its membership to the Security Council.

UN Reform

The increasing complexity of our modern world requires that the Organisation be strengthened if it is to continue fulfilling its central role as a guarantor of global security and for the effective implementation of the goals of the Millennium Declaration. This can be achieved through UN reform. Turkey is resolved, as it has been in the past, to carry out its responsibilities within the international community in this regard.

Turkey believes that a comprehensive reform of the UN system cannot be complete without a reform of the Security Council. In order to ensure that the Council’s membership better reflects contemporary international realities, a more democratic representation of Member States must ensue within the Council. In this regard, Turkey does not find it absolutely necessary to increase the number of permanent members. For, the concept of permanent membership is found by many to be contrary to the principle of sovereign equality, the very foundation upon which the United Nations is built.

The criteria for membership should be reasonable and achievable so that a great majority of the member states could seek a seat in the Security Council. Raising the bar too high, would lead to selectivity, which would in reality enable only a small number of member states to join the Security Council.

The Turkish Government stands ready to discuss any proposal that is based on these criteria and is willing to take the necessary steps in order to reach a solution that can accommodate to the extent possible the interests of the great majority of the United Nations membership.

Achieving greater transparency and efficiency in the Security Council’s decision-making process and working methods is another priority. The Council’s interaction mechanisms with other states and actors also need to be improved. In addition, increased cooperation and coordination between the Council and the main UN bodies, such as the General Assembly and ECOSOC, is a crucial factor for the success of the Council’s reform.

ECOSOC, as one of the principle organs of the UN needs to be revitalized in view of the immense changes that have taken place in the economic, social, environmental and humanitarian fields during the last 60 years. Faced with new challenges, it should be able to provide strategic guidance and analytical leadership in promoting partnership on global policies and dialogue in line with trends in economic and social fields. While focusing on peace and development linkage, it should also develop mechanisms to monitor the progress in implementation of the outcomes of major conferences and summits, including the internationally agreed development goals. Its role in overall coordination of funds, programs and agencies should be strengthened to ensure coherence as well as to prevent duplication of mandates and activities.

The revitalization of the General Assembly through the implementation of the revised plenary agenda and the streamlining of the work of the main committees is also an important dimension of the UN reform, which Turkey will continue to support. The reform must entail improved coordination, cooperation and integration within the UN system for a better formulation of comprehensive and integrated approaches to tackle global challenges.

Furthermore, Turkey shares the view that in order to effectively comply with the principles and objectives of the Charter in a changing world, we need an efficient Secretariat which is appropriately accountable to the General Assembly as the chief representative and deliberative body of the organization. Indeed, a more active Secretariat, both in size and accountability, will induce the United Nations to enhance its authority as well as its capacity to address the challenges of our time.

As for the proposed human rights reform within the UN system, there is a need to elevate the principal UN body dealing with human rights issues. Therefore, Turkey supports in principle the proposal to establish a Human Rights Council. The issues such as the mandate, size and composition of the proposed Human Rights Council should be discussed thoroughly. Turkey also supports the calls to strengthen the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (please also refer to the “Human Rights” section below).

Global economic and development issues

Economic and social threats, particularly infectious diseases and environmental degradation should be addressed by the international community as an integral part of global collective security, without losing sight of the benefits of development as a pillar on its own. Eradicating poverty is one of the greatest global challenges facing the world today and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. Even though each country has the primary responsibility for its own sustainable development and implementing anti-poverty policies, concerted and concrete measures are required at all levels to enable the developing countries to achieve the goals set by the Millennium Summit.

Causes of poverty cannot be eliminated without making structural changes. Necessary investment should be made to reduce poverty, income disparity and gender inequality as well as protect human capital and the environment. Turkey endorses the principle of good governance and accountability at the national and international levels as essential components for development activities.

Although developing countries are expected to create the necessary environment for the improvement of their economies and to overcome social and structural problems themselves, the contribution of developed countries is of vital importance. Turkey believes that the international community should reaffirm and recommit itself to implement the development consensus based on mutual responsibility and accountability, agreed at the International Conference on Financing for Development and the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Turkey attaches great importance to the effective implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. The provisions of safe drinking water, water for sanitation, as well as clean renewable and affordable energy is essential for achieving structural development. We believe that the role of the United Nations and its specialized agencies in this process should be further strengthened. Turkey supports increasing cooperation and interaction between the United Nations, Bretton Woods Institutions, the WTO and other international financial institutions in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We continue to support the effective implementation of the Monterrey consensus and to work with the international community to identify innovative financing mechanisms.

More effective conflict prevention and peacekeeping

Preventive multilateral diplomacy for diffusing emerging conflicts and post-conflict peacekeeping operations are among the most effective means the UN has at its disposal when it comes to creating global conditions for sustainable peace. The best contribution of the international community to peace and security is still avoiding the outbreak of hostilities by means of preventive diplomacy. But it is equally important to maintain and improve the peacekeeping capacity of the UN when preventive diplomacy fails and conflict proves inevitable.

Today peacekeeping tasks are composed of very diverse components, which render them more complex than in the past. The UN should be capable of responding to these tasks. In this context, resource generation; rapid deployment capability; safety and security; post-conflict peace building and development; cooperation with regional organizations and the African peacekeeping capacity are the issues which require our common efforts during the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

As one of the leading civilian police contributing countries of the United Nations, Turkey fully recognizes the need for the strengthening of UN peacekeeping and crisis management capabilities and supports all efforts for this purpose, including the establishment of a UN strategic military reserve capacity and a standing civilian police capacity.

Turkey fully supports the early establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission and is pleased to observe that there is a wide consensus on the need to set up such a body.

It is important that the composition of the Commission is built in a manner that will enable its effective functioning. In this context, in addition to financial and troop contributors, major civilian police contributing countries should be present, not only in the "organization committee" but also in the Commission, during its country-specific meetings.

As the core function of the Peacebuilding Commission will be to address the special needs of the countries emerging from conflict to stabilization, the UN civilian police missions in these countries will in the medium and long term definitely play a key role in the process.

Furthermore, we should take into consideration the troop contributions of the member countries to UN authorized peacekeeping operations conducted by regional organisations, in the same manner as we do for UN-led military operations. This would further encourage the regional organizations to contribute more, thus relieving the UN of some of its military obligations.

Disarmament and non-proliferation

The international security environment has changed dramatically in recent years which pose new challenges to disarmament and non-proliferation. Non-state actors, terrorists and states in non-compliance with non-proliferation and disarmament obligations and delays in the fulfillment of nuclear disarmament engagements and obligations, all challenge the delicate balance that the system of treaties has established over the last four decades. The UN should be able to respond to those challenges. Turkey will continue to support all efforts during the 60th General Assembly, aimed at breathing new life into the disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.

Combating Terrorism

Unfortunately, terrorism has become a clear and present danger for the entire world. This scourge, in all its forms and manifestations is a crime against humanity. It necessitates a unified, decisive and coordinated response at national, regional and international levels. The success of the struggle against terrorism, indeed, requires unwavering compliance with all the relevant international conventions and full implementation of Security Council resolutions on terrorism. Having always emphasized the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in combating terrorism, Turkey has welcomed the Secretary-General’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Turkey also attaches great importance to the adoption of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism by consensus and deems it essential that all members of the international community become party to this important instrument as soon as possible.

At this critical juncture, the conclusion of deliberations concerning the “Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism” is also of great importance to convey the resolve of the whole international community in its collective stance against this menace. As a party to all 12 international conventions and protocols in countering terrorism, Turkey is determined to facilitate and expedite the conclusion of this convention including a comprehensive definition of terrorism. The Convention will help close the normative gaps at national and international levels occasioned in part by the non-ratification of the existing treaties on terrorism at a global level.

The critical issue here is reaching a clear cut and universally endorsed definition of terrorism. Lengthy discussions at the Committee level have demonstrated the necessity of a more pragmatic approach to this issue. To overcome existing difficulties, Turkey is of the opinion that, definition of terrorism in Security Council Resolution 1566 (2004) or in General Assembly Resolution 55/46 (2004) as already agreed languages should constitute the basis of our future discussions on this subject. The Convention should demonstrate that there are no legitimate targets for terrorists and that terrorism will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

In the absence of a global convention, the Security Council Resolutions currently constitute a solid and comprehensive basis for combating terrorism on a universal scale. In this framework, Turkey fully adheres to all relevant Security Council Resolutions, including 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) 1526 (2004), 1535 (2004), 1540 (2004) and 1566 (2004), and also extends its full cooperation to the relevant Security Council Committees.

Combating Drugs

As a leading country in the fight against the illicit trafficking of drugs, Turkey’s global strategy on combating this menace is based on the principle that the issue can only be addressed by extensive cooperation, exchange of information and expertise within the international community. The United Nations constitutes an ideal platform for these endeavors.

The UN should further strengthen its efforts aimed at providing assistance to the countries most affected by the illicit production and trafficking of illicit drugs, through the implementation of projects on enhancing law enforcement capabilities, promotion of regional initiatives and the provision of alternative development programs. One such good example of international cooperation is the Turkish International Academy Against Drugs and Organized Crime, which has been established in Turkey and which gives training to officials from 48 countries. Turkey remains ready to further contribute to the international efforts in tackling this global problem. In addition to addressing problems of supply, more effective global and regional demand reduction strategies should be developed and implemented.

Human Rights

Turkey, has been going through a substantial reform process to upgrade its democratic and human rights standards to the highest level attainable by aligning fully the Turkish legislation and implementation with the international norms. In this context, the Turkish legislation has been harmonized with international documents, including the UN conventions.

As a state party to all principal UN human rights instruments, Turkey maintains a sound cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, such as the treaty bodies and special procedures of the UN.

Turkey believes that promotion and protection of human rights can best be achieved by cooperation and solidarity, rather than confrontation and polarization among different geographical groups. Being a state which enjoys membership and active participation in various groups at the UN, Turkey is in a position to better appreciate different approaches and sensitivities around the globe with regard to further upgrading the human rights criteria.

Turkey will continue to contribute to further developing an atmosphere of cooperation at the UN human rights bodies, and play a constructive role in respect of human rights issues at the UN.

At the General Assembly, Turkey will give particular importance to supporting efforts for an overall improvement in the situation of human rights around the world, achieving universal adherence to human rights instruments, facilitating the work of non-governmental organizations, elimination of violence against women, combating torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to the issue of terrorism and human rights. (Turkey’s views regarding the human rights reform at the UN, including the establishment of a Human Rights Council has already been expressed above under the subtitle “UN Reform”)

Gender Issues

Further legal, economic and social steps are required in order to build a global society where women are recognized as equal to men in all respects. The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, to which the majority of Member States are party, is a very significant international instrument in promoting the status of women worldwide. However, Turkey is of the opinion that the number of Member States that have ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention must increase if the issue of women’s rights is to be addressed even more comprehensively at the international level. Furthermore, Member States that have ratified the Optional Protocol should ensure a timely and effective implementation of its provisions.

The prevention of “honor crimes” against women and girls is a high priority on Turkey’s agenda. Turkey was among the co-sponsors of two resolutions, adopted in 2000 and 2002, which define honor crimes as a human rights issue and call for government accountability of Member States. At the 59th General Assembly, Turkey, together with the United Kingdom, tabled the resolution “Working towards the elimination of crimes against women and girls committed in the name of Honor”. At the 60th General Assembly, Turkey will continue to give due importance to this issue.

The Alliance of Civilizations Initiative

In light of the events of recent years, a heightened sense of a widening gap and lack of understanding between cultures and civilizations now exist in the international environment. This has increasingly become a concern to international stability and peace. Consequently, the need for a comprehensive and collective effort to counter such a trend has become more crucial than ever. With its deep-rooted traditions of mutual understanding, tolerance, dialogue and respect for other cultures, religions and civilizations, Turkey has decided to co-sponsor the “Alliance of Civilizations” initiative, initially proposed by the Prime Minister of Spain at his address to the 59th General Assembly. The said-initiative was formally launched in July 2005 by the Secretary-General.

The Alliance of Civilizations aims to bridge the existing divide among differing civilizations by strengthening mechanisms of dialogue and mutual understanding, as well as implementation of practical projects toward this aim. A High-Level Group of eminent personalities, representing different regions of the world has been appointed by the Secretary-General, to further this initiative and which will submit a plan of action to facilitate enhanced dialogue and cooperation among civilizations.

Children’s Issues

Safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of children is one of humanity’s most profound responsibilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, with its Optional Protocols, is the Organization’s main contribution to bettering the situation of children around the world. Though almost all the world’s nations are party to the Convention, Turkey believes that the number of States Parties to the two Optional Protocols, which remains comparatively low, ought to increase. Global compliance with the principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child remains a vital goal in this area, in line with the objectives of the World Summit for Children.

Cyprus

Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus maintain their vision for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue within the framework of the Secretary-General’s good offices mission and on the basis of the plan which is being referred to as the Annan Plan.

More than a year has elapsed since the separate simultaneous referenda held in Cyprus on the Annan Plan, in which the Greek Cypriot side, at the behest of their leadership, resoundingly voted against the unification of the island and partnership with the Turkish Cypriots. On the other hand, as the Secretary-General put it in his subsequent good offices mission report (S/2004/437) dated 28 May 2004, “the Turkish Cypriot people voted in favor of it notwithstanding the great sacrifices it entailed for them”.

Nevertheless, they continue to face great difficulties arising from ongoing political, economic, cultural and social isolation. In the same report, the Secretary-General also stated that “…I would hope they (members of the Security Council) can give a strong lead to all states to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development…”.

In order to put an end to this inhumane situation and bring about normalcy in day-to-day dealings between the two sides of the Island, on 30 May 2005, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Gül, in conformity with the calls of the UN and other organizations, made proposals to be adopted and simultaneously implemented by the relevant parties to lift all restrictions imposed on the Island. (See UN document: A/59/820-S/2005/355). In view of the fundamentally changed circumstances in Cyprus, the international community should give full backing to the Turkish Cypriots by engaging in direct economic, commercial, social and cultural contacts with them without further delay. The Security Council could and should reflect on its own role in the current situation. The Council has so far failed to respond to the Secretary-General’s above-mentioned report.

The Greek Cypriot leadership seems bent upon a policy of negating the efforts under the umbrella of the good offices mission of the Secretary-General and of trying to extract unilateral concessions from Turkey, by exploiting its EU membership. Whereas, we believe that it would be much more constructive if, as the rejecting side, the Greek Cypriot leadership would heed the Secretary-General’s call and produce a clear and finite list of the changes they seek to the Annan Plan, as was assessed in the briefing to the Security Council given by Mr. Prendergast on 22 June 2005, following his trip to the region. At this critical juncture, the Greek Cypriot side needs to prove its sincerity by concrete actions that it wants a comprehensive solution based on political equality and power-sharing with their Turkish Cypriot counterparts.