Anadolu Agency (AA), Turkey
February 4, 2013 Monday
“The meeting today takes place at a very critical juncture for the whole world”
FMs meeting ahead of 12th OIC Leaders’ Summit CAIRO Ahmet Davutoglu
Turkish Foreign Minister said on Monday that the meeting of foreign
ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) today ahead
of the 12th OIC Leaders’ Summit was taking place at a very critical
juncture. Speaking at the meeting, Davutoglu underlined that “our
meeting today, in the historical melting pot of civilizations in
Cairo, takes place at a very critical juncture, not only for the OIC
countries, but also for the whole world. In this context, we welcome
that this Summit has been set to focus on ‘the Muslim World: New
Challenges and Expanding Opportunities’.” “We are witnessing a great,
historic transformation, both at the regional and global level, along
with ongoing humanitarian tragedies, such as the ones in Syria and
Palestine, still bleeding under fierce aggression that has no mercy
and no patience. How shall we, then, seize the opportunities of the
great transformation we are witnessing? And how can we overcome the
insurmountable challenges that come in our way?”, Davutoglu noted.
“At our meeting in Djibouti last November, I suggested three tenets of
Islam, conscience, solidarity and compassion that will guide us
through the testing times, in order to uphold human dignity. But our
method, the way we see and act, also matters when we apply these
principles to issues that matter to us. When seizing opportunities or
facing challenges, we need prudence, integrity and sincerity,”
Davutoglu indicated.
“Today, many of the conflicts in the world are actually taking place
around the Muslim World. The main issue is to uphold our own problems
ourselves. We, members of the OIC, should focus on them first. We must
work on them. We should find ways to solve and we should not lose
time. Waiting for others to solve our problems is not an option. We
should address all developments concerning us and the future of our
generations,” Davutoglu noted.
“For this reason, we also need to focus on the decision making
mechanisms of the international community. Decision making process of
the UN Security Council should not prejudge our own issues, since we
would be affected by the outcome of this process. That is why, the
Muslim countries, as responsible members of the international
community, should work on the UNSC reform more,” Davutoglu said.
“I believe we have all the abilities and resources to face all the
challenges in the most effective manner. What is needed, is to be able
to mobilize our abilities in an organized and effective way. I believe
the OIC can pass this test,” Davutoglu stated.
“Let me continue by renewing our strong desire and commitment to host
the Thirteenth Islamic Summit in Turkey. I regret to remind you that
although it is a founding member, Turkey has never had the opportunity
to host his brothers and sisters at an Islamic Summit. We expect the
widest support of all brotherly member countries for our bid to host
the next Summit Conference,” Davutoglu expressed.
“A unified and firm stance by the Muslim world is crucial in the
success of the Palestinian cause. We are going through yet another
critical time for our Palestinian brothers and sisters. On the 29th of
November last year in New York, I had the honour to personally witness
the historic moment when the UN General Assembly decided on the
‘non-member observer state’ status of Palestine with an overwhelming
majority. I would like to congratulate Palestine’s able leadership for
its successful bid. Our support to our Palestinian brothers and
sisters should not waiver until Palestine’s admission to the UN as a
full member and until the Palestinian flag will be raised in the UN
Hall,” Davutoglu underlined.
“Reconciliation among our Palestinian brothers has now gained utmost
significance with the recognition of Palestine as a state in the UN.
We welcome the recent initiatives reached by the parties to implement
Cairo and Doha Agreements and a timetable toward this end. We
sincerely hope that these efforts will bear fruit soon with the
establishment of a strong unity government in Palestine,” Davutoglu
said.
“Meanwhile, we strongly condemn Israel for its continued expansion of
illegal settlements. Time, and again Israel have proven that it fails
to read the change happening not only around it, but also in the way
its actions are perceived by the international community. The latest
report by the UN Human Rights Council qualifies the illegal
settlements as a ‘creeping annexation’ of the Palestinian land. As it
did after the recognition of Palestine as an observer state by the UN
General Assembly, Israel has rejected again this report and attempted
to depict it as another ‘unilateral action’ by the Palestinian side.
The fact, however, is that Israel has now been rendered by the
international community a ‘pariah’ status for its expanding illegal
settlements,” Davutoglu noted.
“Israel must stop its provocative and unlawful settlement policy and
accept revitalization of the peace process, which will yield freedom
and sovereignty to the State of Palestine on its pre-1967 borders with
Jerusalem as its capital forever,” Davutoglu stated.
“Another crisis which tests our conscience is the great tragedy taking
place in Syria. Since our last gathering in Djibouti less than three
months ago, the figures on the dire consequences of the destruction
have almost doubled,” Davutoglu said.
“The monthly average of the death toll surpassed 5 thousand, bringing
the total number of casualties to more than 60 thousand. 4 million
people inside Syria are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We
have 3 million IDP’s. Those figures explain themselves. But each
number here represents a human life,” Davutoglu stressed.
“This brutal dictatorship must leave the scene as early as possible to
open up the way for democratic transition in accordance with the
legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. This is the only way to
prevent the ongoing violence and to bring security and stability to
the country and the region,” Davutoglu said.
“The humanitarian aspect of the crisis is deteriorating further. The
number of Syrians we accommodate only in the camps is now 170
thousand. And until now, around 2,700 babies were born in these camps.
In addition, more than 70 thousand Syrians are living in the cities in
Turkey. Our expenditure in this regard has exceeded 500 million
dollars. But we will do everything possible to help our Syrian
brothers and sisters,” Davutoglu stated.
“Our doors will remain open for our Syrian brothers and sisters.
However, contribution of the international community still stands far
below the expectations,” Davutoglu indicated.
“In this context, I would like to express our gratitude to the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation as well as its member States for
their efforts to assist the neighboring countries,” Davutoglu said.
“We are deeply concerned by the growing tensions within the Syrian
society which would lead to unbridgeable divides on ethnic and
religious fault lines,” Davutoglu noted.
“Since end of the regime is near and inevitable, we should focus on
the transition. The Syrian National Coalition, as the only legitimate
representative of the Syrian people, has made considerable progress in
presenting itself as a credible alternative to the Assad regime. It is
now time for us to fulfill our obligations by supporting and
empowering the opposition,” Davutoglu said.
“Mali is another hot spot which calls for our close attention. We
support territorial integrity and national unity of Mali. In this
vein, we will continue to support the ongoing UN and African-led
processes. As such, we are pleased to see the mobilization of AFISMA
authorized by the UN,” Davutoglu said.
“The Donors Conference organized by the African Union in Addis Ababa
last week was a step on the right direction. Turkey also participated
in the Conference and will contribute to AFISMA and Malian defence and
security forces,” Davutoglu stated.
“We also always have to keep in mind that Mali and all of its
neighbors have seriously been affected from the developments taking
place in this brotherly country. All neighbors of Mali are OIC
countries. Therefore, OIC has the responsibility to act in the hard
times faced by its member states,” Davutoglu underlined.
“The OIC should support the people of Mali by financial means
including seeking ways to set up a Fund as well. We shall discuss this
among ourselves. I would like to propose to set up an OIC Contact
Group for Mali, in order to follow the developments in this member
country and contribute in restoring the stability in Mali,” Davutoglu
said.
“2013 is the 50th year of the emergence of the Cyprus problem. The
last UN negotiation process for a comprehensive settlement initiated
in 2008 did not yield a result simply because of the unwillingness and
intransigence of the Greek Cypriot side, despite the dedicated efforts
of the Turkish Cypriot side,” Davutoglu stated.
“Like the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey as a guarantor state, remains
committed to the settlement aim. I would like to express our gratitude
to the distinguished members of the OIC for their clear message of
support to the rightful cause of the Turkish Cypriot people,”
Davutoglu noted.
“Kosovo proved itself as a reliable partner both for the region and
the international community, now recognized by 95 countries all over
the world. Once the status issue is solved, the eventual membership of
this country into this Organization would strengthen our solidarity. I
met with the President of Kosovo yesterday at the Munich Security
Conference,” Davutoglu said.
“Turkey’s vision towards the South Caucasus aims at the establishment
of a long-lasting, comprehensive and sustainable peace and stability
in the whole region,” Davutoglu indicated.
“A peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, can be only
found on withdrawal of Armenia from the occupied Azerbaijani territory
and restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,” Davutoglu
said.
“Central Asia constitutes one of the high profile regions of the OIC.
As a founding member together with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and
Kyrgyzstan, we would like to see cooperation between the Turkic
Council and the OIC is enhanced in all areas,” Davutoglu said.
“Afghanistan presents another major challenge for the Muslim world.
The OIC Member States must support the people and Government of
Afghanistan in their efforts to successfully implement transition and
reconciliation by sustaining their solidarity with Afghanistan in the
post-2014 period,” Davutoglu underlined.
“The Jammu and Kashmir issue has been awaiting a just solution for 65
years. This solution should come through peaceful dialogue, in
accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and be acceptable to all
parties. We reiterate our strong support in reaching an enduring peace
for the brotherly people of Kashmir,” Davutoglu noted.
“The Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace in Greece continues to
encounter serious problems in terms of minority rights. In violation
of international agreements to which Greece is a party, as well as
universally recognized norms, they cannot elect their imams and
muftis, run their foundations, express their identity or enjoy equal
opportunities in education, employment or political participation.
Likewise, Turkish Muslim minority living in Dodecanese, on the other
hand, does not only face similar difficulties, but cannot either enjoy
the minority status,” Davutoglu said.
“Speaking of Muslim minorities, let me also touch upon the situation
of the Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine (Arakan) region of Myanmar. The
re-eruption of violence directed against the Rohingya Muslims in
October 2012 confirmed our concerns about the severity of the
situation in the region. I previously had the opportunity to present
to you my personal testimony regarding the situation from my visit to
Myanmar in August 2012. Turkey continues to provide humanitarian aid
to the needy in the region with all its means including donations
collected from the Turkish people,” Davutoglu stated.
“We believe that the OIC and its member countries should continue to
urge the Government of Myanmar to be vigilant against future
provocations, and to work for finding a lasting solution to the plight
of the Muslim Rohingya people. In that regard, we welcome the recent
initiative by the Secretary General to organize a joint visit by the
OIC Contact Group Foreign Ministers and expect the Myanmar authorities
to respond positively to this initiative as soon as possible,”
Davutoglu said.
“As for the Muslim minorities in the rest of the Asia-Pacific region,
we are pleased to observe certain encouraging developments. We welcome
the Framework Agreement concerning the Muslims in southern Philippines
which was signed in October 2012. We congratulate Malaysia and other
countries for this success. We support the proposed observer
membership of the Philippines to the OIC. We note the improvement in
the conditions of the Muslims in southern Thailand and support the
continuation of a constructive dialogue between the OIC and Thailand,
which is an observer state to the OIC,” Davutoglu expressed.
“Our need for solidarity in development and reconstruction is growing
every year. Despite huge natural and human resources, as indicated in
the concept paper of the Secretariat, our combined GDP represents only
8.3 percent of total world output. Unfortunately 21 out of 57 OIC
members are considered as the least developed countries, whereas 42
OIC members are classified as food deficit countries. Our efforts on
trade financing and facilitation yielded only a 3 percent increase
from 2004 (14.4%) to 2011 (17.7%),” Davutoglu said.
“Our Dear Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) said that ‘He who
sleeps with a full stomach while his neighbor is hungry is not one of
us.’ This has been our departure point in reinvigorating the COMCEC
with a new strategy last year. We are confident that COMCEC will now
be more effective in actively promoting our solidarity in trade and
development. We shall be ready to work with all members to make that
happen,” Davutoglu stated.
“The rising trends of Islamophobia, xenophobia and discrimination
against Muslims in the West are cause of great concern for us. We
condemn all sorts of incitement to hatred and religious discrimination
against Muslims and people of other faiths,” Davutoglu noted.
“As I have suggested in Djibouti, the international community has to
find a balance between protecting the rights of an individual or group
to free expression and protecting the right of another individual or
group to not to become the target of hatred, and emotional, incited or
psychological violence,” Davutoglu stated.
“The initiatives such as the ‘Alliance of Civilizations’ and the ‘King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and
Intercultural Dialogue’ are important and complementing steps in
forging mutual understanding and fighting intolerance,” Davutoglu
said.
“Acknowledging the role of media in addressing this particular
challenge, I would like to reiterate Turkey’s already filed
application and readiness to host the ‘OIC Journalists Forum’ which
will be established upon the decision taken at the 9th Session of the
Islamic Conference of Information Ministers,” Davutoglu indicated.
“As you all know, Turkey has announced its candidature for
non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the term
2015-2016. We are relying on the full support of all our brothers
here. What we accomplished and stood for during our Security Council
membership in 2009-2010 is a testament to what we can contribute in
2015-2016. Turkey will certainly provide a strong voice for the OIC
member states within the Council including the issues of Asia, Africa
and the Middle East,” Davutoglu said.
“I also would like to reiterate our request for your support for our
candidacy to host EXPO 2020 in Izmir,” Davutoglu noted.
“While concluding, I would like to share my strong conviction that we
will be working harder to mobilize the great potential that we have.
We should continue reforming our ways and means in the OIC. Since its
inception in 2005, many positive steps have been taken in the OIC,
including the adoption of a new Charter. We should not forget that the
challenges may be daunting at times, but the opportunities are also
abundant. With all these thoughts in mind and heart, I would like to
extend to you all my heartfelt thanks for your kind attention,”
Davutoglu also said.