UPDATE2 - Muslim world, Global South, conscientious West stand with Gaza; Perpetrators remain ‘blind and deaf': Turkish foreign minister

ADDS REMARKS FROM TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER; REVISES HEADLINE

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday that the Islamic world, the Global South and conscientious individuals in the West stand with Gaza, while perpetrators ignore the outcry.

“The Islamic world stands, the Global South stands, and the conscientious individuals in the West stand, however, the perpetrators of the massacre remain blind and deaf to this outcry,” Fidan said during a speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

“We can see that honorable individuals in the West are no longer indifferent to this atrocity in Gaza,” he said.

Fidan said the loss of effectiveness and legitimacy in the international system has brought more violence and brutality.

"Therefore, we don't have time to lose. We need diplomacy immediately, right now. What is happening in Gaza is the clearest sign of the legitimacy crisis of the international system. The image of Gaza is a moment of disaster where the hypocrisy of the international system is unmistakably revealed,” he said.

He added that the self-immolation of a US soldier because he could not bear complicity in the Gaza massacre was a sign of the legitimacy crisis in the international system.

Referring to the massacre in the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, which Picasso immortalized in his artwork, Fidan pointed out that for the first time since 1937, sirens are now sounding in Guernica, this time for Palestine.

He said that when they talk about the "crisis in the international system", they are not referring to an abstract concept.
"We are talking about a reality where the cries of the oppressed, the shouts of those seeking justice, day by day, moment by moment, are hammered as a nail into the coffin of a system that does not produce solutions.

“We are talking about a decay in which even crying over the massacre of the oppressed and victims is punished … a loss of legitimacy in which it is a crime to be human. Whatever is to be done will be done now so that massacres like in Gaza do not happen again," he added.

Fidan said that they initiated efforts at all levels from the first day of the crisis to urgently end the violence against the people of Gaza, reminding they have expressed since the beginning of the crisis that they are ready to assume responsibility, including guarantorship, together with the countries in the region.

- Any order not based on justice cannot be permanent

Highlighting that the current international order fails to produce peace, stability, justice and equality, Fidan pointed out that in a time where strong institutions and partnerships are needed, it is evident that the international system is weakening.

Fidan underlined that in the international order, where events seemingly "prove the strong to be right" every day, injustices persist in every field.

"Yet we know that no order can be permanent unless it is based on justice. Of course, there are principled countries that see this deteriorating situation and raise their voices for global justice," he said.

Noting that justice holds a special place in Türkiye’s tradition, he said: "Turkey consistently contributes to the resolution of problems, demonstrating a principled and effective stance in the face of crises and conflicts."

Fidan underscored that the foreign policy implemented for years under the leadership of Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to establish a zone of peace, stability and prosperity, starting from the immediate vicinity.

Drawing attention to Erdogan's sincerity and efforts, Fidan pointed out that, as witnessed by everyone for a long time, the president is striving with all his might to eliminate global injustices and establish an effective, just and inclusive international order.

- Ankara taking lead in resolving issues in its geography

Fidan pointed out that another reflection of the crises in the international system is the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War.

"At this stage of the war, we need to seriously explore ways to bring the parties together. We are ready, as we were yesterday, to make every effort to facilitate peace negotiations. At the same time, we continue our efforts to restore navigation security in the Black Sea and ensure the safe conduct of grain trade,” said Fidan.

Emphasizing that the global system is insufficient in solving regional problems due to "prioritizing the interests of hegemons," Fidan stated: "Therefore, Türkiye is taking the lead in resolving issues in its geography by including new methods, actors, and platforms in the process with a regional ownership understanding."

Fidan noted that the international system has been unable to provide a solution to the crisis in Syria.

"The Astana Process initiated by our country with a regional ownership understanding has led to the cessation of the civil war and discussions on political solutions,” he added.

Regarding the resolution of the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Fidan said it is progressing toward a solution through regional ownership initiatives.

"Within the framework of our regional cooperation and integration efforts, we strongly support the coming together of the Turkic States Organization and the Turkic world on an institutional basis,” he said.

"In this regard, we value projects that prioritize the region's needs rather than global impositions. We support initiatives such as TANAP, TAP, the 'Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor,' and the 'Development Road Project,” he added.

- Ankara maintains ‘its uninterrupted support for counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East and Africa

Fidan underlined another important aspect that necessitates regional solidarity and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

"We sadly observe that a common stance has not been taken against the terrorism threat that manifests itself in various forms on many continents. Under these conditions, it has become even more crucial to act with a common understanding and to emphasize regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

“Türkiye continues its uninterrupted support for counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East and Africa,” said Fidan.

Highlighting the importance given to cooperation with regional mechanisms, including the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, the EU, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the Turkic States Organization, Fidan stated: "We are making efforts to strengthen our friendships and collaborations beyond our immediate vicinity and fully utilize diplomacy for this purpose."

Fidan noted that relations with African countries, which hold a special place in Türkiye’s foreign policy, have deepened with a mutual respect and equal partnership approach.

"We carry out intensive cooperation in every field from security to health in Africa,” he said.

Stressing Türkiye's historical, cultural and human ties with the Asian continent, dating thousands of years, Fidan said: "We are developing our relations with Asian countries within the framework of the Asia Anew Initiative with a comprehensive and multidimensional approach."

Referring to the strong foundation established within the scope of the "Latin America and the Caribbean Opening Policy," Fidan highlighted that the bonds between countries are strengthening daily.

"We make efforts to voice the concerns of our friends affected by climate change, debt burden, food security crises and development-related issues in multilateral platforms. Your presence at our forum from different corners of the world demonstrates that all these efforts are yielding results,” he added.