Turkey

May I first congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the thirty-seventh session. On this occasion it is a great pleasure for me to recall here that Turkey and Hungary have traditionally maintained friendly relations. As a colleague of yours for many years I have had the opportunity to appreciate your remarkable diplomatic skills, and I am confident that your guidance will enable us to channel our deliberations and work towards constructive ends. I wish to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Ismat Kittani, who presided with diligence over the work of the Assembly during the past year under difficult and strenuous conditions. I wish also to reiterate our confidence in the Secretary- General, Mr. Perez de Cuellar. His fortitude and his balanced, realistic approach to the problems besetting the world are a great asset to the United Nations as a whole. 2. The deterioration of the international situation has continued throughout the past year. East-West relations remain strained because of the infringement of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act,' and this hampers progress in arms control and in disarmament discussions so vital for peace and security in the world. The armaments race continues unabated. The world economy is going through its worst crisis since the Second World War. Against this background we are witnessing a greater tendency to resort to force and violence and a multiplication of conflicts and con¬frontations. 3. The thirty-seventh session is being held at a moment when we are all under the spell of the momentous events which have taken place in the Middle East during recent months. The whole world is stunned by the massacre of innocent men, women and children in the refugee camps of west Beirut. That outrage against humanity has compounded the tragedy unfolding in Lebanon since the Israelis invaded that country in early June. 4. The responsibility of Israel in the mass killings at the Sabra and Shatila camps is irrefutable. Israel has shown that it is not encumbered by any moral scruples in the pursuit of its political ambitions in the Middle East. It should be clear to everybody that there can be no peace and security in the Middle East unless Israel is deterred effectively from its intransigence, its propens ity instantly to resort to force and violence, its utter disregard for the interests of other countries in the area, its frightening contempt for human values and its defiance of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. 5. The aggression against Lebanon, the ruthless Israeli actions, the staggering human losses and the suffering and material damage inflicted upon the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples have been followed with abhorrence and revulsion by Turkish public opinion. We reiterate our condemnation of Israeli policies and actions. At the same time, we wish to make clear here that we view with mounting concern the dangerous implications of Israeli policies for the security of the Middle East as a whole, in which we have a vital stake. 6. The future course of events in Lebanon will be crucial for the entire area. Lebanon should be able to live as an independent and sovereign country and preserve its territorial integrity and unity. It should be under the influence of no other country of the region. We hope that, despite the convulsions it has suffered, the people of Lebanon will be able to achieve national reconciliation. Obviously, the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon is of paramount necessity and every effort should be exerted to prevent dilatory tactics by Israel. 7. The horror in Lebanon has heightened awareness of the fact that the Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East conflict. There is greater sense of urgency in the efforts undertaken with a view to achieving a comprehensive, durable and just solu¬tion of the Middle East problem. We have in particular welcomed the recent initiative of the United States and the very constructive approach evolved by the Arab countries at the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, which was held in September in Fez. The United States proposals contain elements which could con¬tribute significantly to the elaboration of a framework for future negotiations among the parties concerned. The proposals of the Arab Conference represent a common position and reflect the genuine desire of the Arab countries to achieve a balanced and realistic settlement in the interest of all the countries in the area. It is now up to Israel to respond in a positive manner to that approach and finally to alter its per¬ception of security for itself as consisting of continuous confrontation with its neighbors. 8. Concerning the substance of a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflict, I wish to repeat that we consider the following as indispensable ingredients of a lasting and just solution: withdrawal of Israel from all the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including A1 Quds Al Sharif; recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent State in their own territory; the participation of the Palestine l iberation Organization [PLO] as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in all peace negotiations, on an equal footing with the other interested parties in the conflict; the right of every State in the region to live within secure and recognized boundaries; and the maintenance of the Arab and Islamic character of the Holy City of Al Quds Al Sharif. 9. The war which has been going on between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran for the past two years is a source of profound distress. From the very outset, we have felt deep anxiety over the disastrous conflict between two neighbouring Muslim countries. That war not only is detrimental to the interests of those two countries but also has grave implications for the security and stability of the entire Middle East. 10. We are saddened by the fact that various peace efforts have so far been of no avail. Turkey will continue to take an active part in the endeavors of the Islamic Peace Committee and persevere in its efforts to support them as an immediate neighbor of the two countries. We wish on this occasion to renew our appeal to both Iraq and Iran to put an end to the bloodshed and to embark with determination on the road of peace and reconciliation. 11. The dramatic developments in the Middle East cannot cloud our concern over the plight of Afghanistan. The valiant Afghan people continue to be deprived of their right to self-determination and remain under foreign military occupation. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Secretary-General towards a negotiated settlement. Such a settlement should restore to the Afghan people their right to self- determination and lead to the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country. 12. We realize that refugees are a tremendous burden for countries of asylum. As a humanitarian measure, we have recently settled nearly 5,000 refugees in Turkey. We have provided them a temporary home until they can return freely to their own country, if they so wish. 13. In Africa we follow developments regarding Namibia with a mixture of anxiety and guarded optimism. As a founding member of the United Nations Council for Namibia, Turkey extends its unreserved support to the people of Namibia. We hope that on¬going negotiations for the independence of Namibia within the framework of United Nations resolutions will finally achieve their objective and thereby remove an important source of tension in the world. This would be a cause for rejoicing in an otherwise gloomy international scene. 14. Another ray of hope comes from Cyprus. Once the source of dangerous tension, that island has been enjoying peace and stability for more than eight years. Although a settlement has not yet been reached, the two national communities are committed to a con¬tinuous negotiating process. As a result of the sustained efforts of the Secretary-General, the intercommunal talks are now proceeding within a comprehensive framework encompassing allaspects of the Cyprus problem. The encouraging course of the negotiations has further strengthened our conviction that inter¬communal talks represent the only method for resolv¬ing the issue. 15. The two communities should now intensify their efforts to reshape their relations within a federal structure. They should concentrate their attention on dialogue. They should not be swayed by the counsel of those who would prefer a continuation of the con¬flict for their own selfish ends. 16. Turkey remains firmly committed to the objective of a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus question. We will continue to encourage the intercommunal talks under the auspices of the Secretary-General. 17. The Kampuchean problem is another inter¬national issue which calls for an urgent solution. What is required is a political solution that would enable the people of that country to choose their government without coercion or intervention from outside. We should like to express the hope that the formation of the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea is a step which will contribute to such an evolution. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations [/1SE/4JV] to bring peace to Kampuchea and promote stability and prosperity in South-East Asia. 18. I should like also to say a few words about the situation on the Korean peninsula. The division of Korea is certainly painful for all Koreans. We firmly believe that the reduction of tension on the peninsula and the creation of favorable conditions for a dialogue between the two parties concerned will contribute not only to the fulfillment of the national aspiration of the Korean people to unity but also to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. 19. The mounting terrorism and violence throughout the world is a cause for concern for the entire inter¬national community. some countries which have allowed their territory to be used for terrorist actions directed against other countries or have tolerated political and propaganda activities in support of such action are now becoming themselves the hunting grounds for all kinds of terrorism. That should increase the awareness that the need for international co-oper¬ation to curb this scourge is greater and more urgent than ever. 20. One manifestation of international terrorism is the attacks directed against diplomatic representatives. The General Assembly resolutions on the protection of diplomatic and consular agents and premises represent an important step in initiating international co-operation in this field. We hope that it will be possible this year to devise more effective measures for the prevention and elimination of such acts of terror. 21. Turkey has a special reason for feeling grave concern on this issue. Armenian terrorists have in recent years brutally assassinated more than 20 Turkish diplomats and officials. In the first week of August, Armenian terrorists launched an attack at Ankara airport in which nine people lost their lives and some 70 were wounded. 22. An intensive propaganda campaign, based on blatant falsification and distortion of history, lies behind these vile acts of terror. The Armenian propaganda alleges that a great number of Armenians were massacred in Turkey during the First World War. It demands vindication for this contrived and imaginary martyrdom. 23. No amount of propaganda and disinformation can alter historical truths or change political realities. After the First World War the Ottoman Empire collapsed and was replaced by a completely new State, the Turkish Republic. Many new States came into being on the territory of the Empire. But historical facts indicate that the assertions in Armenian propaganda are completely unfounded. 24. Prior to the First World War, the Armenians were concentrated in Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and in the eastern provinces. In none of the areas where they lived did they constitute anything more than a small minority. The Armenians found themselves in a majority only in a region of the Caucasuswhere eventually they created a State which signed a peace treaty with Turkey recognizing the present borders and later joined the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. 25. Armenian extremists began to resort to violence in the early 1890s in a manner very reminiscent of the activities of their successors today. They caused the deaths of a large number of innocent people. The outbreak of the First World War marks the most important crisis in relations between Turks and Arme¬nians. The Tsarist Russian Government then instigated the rising of the Armenians against Ottoman rule in eastern Anatolia, by promising the establishment of an Armenian State. That was the signal which prompted the Armenian extremists to commit large- scale atrocities against the Turkish population in eastern Anatolia, as the Russian armies advanced. It was only after these massacres that the Ottoman Government decided to move the Armenian population out of range of the Russian invading forces in eastern Turkey to central Syria, which was at that time within the boundaries of the Ottoman State. Specific instruc¬tions were issued for the protection of the life and property of the deportees. 26. Following those events, enormously exaggerated claims were put forward by Armenian propagandists. It was alleged that 1.5 million Armenians died. That is nonsense, since the total Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire did not exceed 1.2 million. Of that number, about half a million Armenians living in north¬east Turkey had moved to Russia at the outbreak of hostilities in the area. The deportees numbered approximately 400,000. A sizeable number found their way to Europe and the United States, and about 100,000 remained in Turkey after the war. There were of course Armenians as well as Turks who lost their lives during the war years. The number of Turks who died during that period was 2 million. Many of both communities died of cold, famine and disease and as a result of communal clashes upon the break¬down of law and order. Because Armenians collabor¬ated with invading Russian armies, many also died during military operations. 27. Neither moral nor historical justification can be found for the callous and senseless Armenian terrorism. It reflects a shameful rejection of the human values which the civilized world is trying to uphold. Armenian propaganda and violence can achieve nothing more than a long list of innocent victims. 28. Most of the support and aid that the protagonists of violence get from Armenian communities are obtained through extortion and intimidation. There is no doubt that the great majority of Armenians through¬out the world abhor the crimes committed by the fanatics among their ranks. The Armenians who continue to live in Turkey in full enjoyment of their rights and in complete harmony with Turks have condemned the acts of terror in the strongest terms. It is sad that some countries provide shelter and support to terrorists and encourage Armenian propaganda. These countries cannot disassociate themselves from the odious crimes being committed. At the same time, they are creating on their own territory an atmosphere propitious to the escalation of violence, which in the end can cause great harm to themselves. 29. In the economic Held, it is becoming increas¬ingly evident that the world economy is under the most adverse economic, financial and political pres¬sures of the post-war period. High rates of inflation, low rates of growth and severe current-account imbalances are indeed the order of the day. The dif¬ficulties confronted seem to be not transitory but lasting, as a result of maladjustments that have accumulated over a number of years. 30. Against the background of unstable and unpredictable economic conditions, many coun¬tries, particularly the industrialized countries, seem to be moving dangerously towards protectionism. Such a trend not only would be damaging to economic efficiency but also would diminish the prospects for economic growth. 31. It would be deceptive to think that domestic economic problems can be resolved effectively while the international economic system is in turmoil. Indeed, the economies of rich and poor countries are so interlocked that only international co-operation can restore growth and development. However, as the troubles of the industrialized countries increase international co-operation tends to diminish and con¬cern for developing countries wanes. Unlike the last major recession, in the mid-1970s, when increased aid and private capital flows to developing nations helped to shield them from its worse effects, this time the developing countries are left to face the full brunt largely unassisted. Developing countries, particularly the deficit developing countries, need more time and resources to carry out structural adjustments in a way that will minimize the loss of output, employment and income. 32. At no time has the economic interdependence among nations been more evident and at no time has there been greater need for the formulation of collec¬tive policies and reforms of established rules of conduct. Especially in the light of the current world recession, the formulation of a scheme for integrated development is indispensable. 33. It is with this conviction that my Government supports the launching of the global negotiations in an effort to deal with international economic issues in a comprehensive way. Sectoral approaches have not been sufficient or effective. It must be remembered that, as the major issues in international economic relations are interlinked, they can be resolved only through interdependence. 34. It is understandable that the developing coun¬tries are engaged in a process of extensive co-oper¬ation among themselves as well as in an effort to cope with many of the adverse effects of the deterior¬ating world economic conditions. We welcome the growing importance of South-South co-operation in this respect and believe that through such a process a: more meaningful dialogue could be established between the North and the South in dealing with the current inefficiencies and inadequacies of the world economic system. 35. Turkey, which is geographically situated between two continents, has always found itself playing a role as a link between Europe, the Middle East and the Islamic world. Indeed, it has for centuries been the meeting place between East and West and North and South. These factors explain Turkey's multidimen¬sional relations, namely, its efforts to improve relations with the countries of the region, its membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, its association with the European Community and, in particular, its expanding relations with the countries of the third world. 36. Although Turkey has great economic potential, it is still a developing country facing all the typical problems challenging other developing countries. Like them, it has been adversely affected by the rapidly changing and deteriorating world economic conditions. Its economy has for some time been in a state of crisis. However, at the beginning of 1980 it embarked on a vigorous stabilization program with the support of international financial institutions. Daring steps have been taken, and I can say with confidence that the results have been promising. 37. As can be seen, Turkey has done its part, as may have others, in good "housekeeping", and it will continue to do so with determination. The inter¬national community and its institutions as a whole must prepare themselves to respond to such positive adjustments- if we are to achieve any progress in finding effective ways of maintaining stable inter¬national economic relations in the interest of world peace and prosperity. 38. One encouraging aspect of this session has been the impact upon all of us of the first report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization. He has put before us with clarity and perceptiveness the central issues the United Nations faces today. He has analyzed frankly and accurately the reasons preventing the Organization from fulfilling its basic mission of safeguarding peace and security and promoting international co-operation. We have been reminded appropriately of our duties and respon-sibilities. It is now incumbent upon us to reflect on the ideas of the Secretary-General and to come forward with renewed determination to transform the United Nations into an effective instrument of international peace and security and orient our bilateral and multilateral policies towards this objective.