Press releases

18 April 2008, STATEMENT OF THE SPOKESMAN OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF TURKEY IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION (Unofficial Translation)

Turkey attaches particular importance to the elections for the UN Security Council, where it has not been represented for almost half a century, to be held in October this year in New York. In this respect, since 2003 when it announced its candidacy, Turkey has been conducting the necessary diplomatic activity in support of its candidacy according to a specific program.

The claims in reports to the effect that Turkey has paid off the debt amounting to 20 Million Dollars of countries who lost their voting rights due to outstanding contributions do not reflect the truth.

Our country is pursuing an active foreign policy with the aim to obtain a position deserving of its potential and perspective for the future, not only in neighboring regions, but in geographies that are becoming more prominent in the world, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific and Latin America. Also, Turkey sees as a humanitarian duty to run to the aid of victims of disasters and crises in all parts of the world, and with this conviction and as a responsible member of the interationalcommunity, is sending humanitarian and technical assistance to those in need at a rate approaching the level of developed countries.

As a consequence of this effective work in the field of foreign policy, Turkey`s visibility in the international arena is increasing. Our candidacy for a temporary seat on the UN Security Council, which if realized can be expected to increase our responsibility in international relations, should in fact be evaluated as a reflection of our enhanced visibility in foreign policy. In this context, Turkey is naturally paying special attention to the election for membership in the UN Security Council to be held in New York in October.

The increase in frequency of reciprocal visits with countries in distant geographies,with whom we were not able to establish contact earlier, the development of relations with the Least Developed Countries, and the augmentation of our humanitarian and development aid to these countries, are all being realized as necessary implements of the multi-dimensional foreign policy being carried out by our country in recent times, as well as of being characterized as a „rising donor“.

Republic of Turkey - Ministry of Foreign Affairs