Turkish President: Normalizing impunity will lead to the "erosion of the international order"
New York, 22 Sep (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Tuesday for the equal application of international law to all states, whether strong or weak, warning that the normalization of impunity would lead to the "erosion of the international order."
He made these remarks in a speech delivered during the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
Erdogan also called for reform of the UN Security Council, reiterating his country's position that "the world is bigger than five," in reference to the five permanent members of the Council.
He emphasized the need to take steps to restore confidence in the United Nations and enhance the international community's capacity to address crises, urging that cooperation and diplomacy remain at the core of relations between states.
On the Palestinian issue, Erdogan expressed regret that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was unable to attend the UN meetings for the second consecutive year, describing his absence as an "injustice that deeply wounds the conscience of humanity."
He affirmed that Turkey would continue to speak on behalf of a "free and sovereign Palestine," calling on countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to reconsider their positions.
Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, Erdogan stated that the strip has become "the world's largest graveyard for children," describing the humanitarian conditions there as "extremely critical."
He noted that a ceasefire was reached thanks to the efforts of US President Donald Trump and the contributions of several countries, including Turkey, while warning that more than 1,500 residents of Gaza have been killed since the ceasefire took effect.
He reaffirmed that restoring confidence in the UN requires taking concrete steps to ensure the security and protection of Gaza's children.
On regional crises, Erdogan called for strengthening what he described as "regional ownership of solutions" when international efforts fail to resolve crises, citing Turkey's role in the Black Sea Grain Corridor initiative.
He stressed the importance of keeping channels of cooperation and diplomacy open between states, warning that policies based on a lack of trust yield no gains for any party.
On economic matters, the Turkish president called for a new approach to addressing the widening global income gap, based on shared development, solidarity, and interdependence.
On climate change, Erdogan stated that his country would host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya next November, explaining that Turkey aims to make it a "conference of implementation" by fulfilling financial commitments, accelerating technology transfer, and translating pledges into practical steps.
Erdogan warned of the rising phenomenon of Islamophobia, xenophobia, cultural racism, and discrimination against Muslim women and girls, affirming his country's rejection of bans on wearing the hijab in schools in some countries, which he characterized as a "violation of women's fundamental rights."
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