Ankara (UNA/Anadolu) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the path to a just and lasting peace in Gaza lies in strengthening the ceasefire and implementing the two-state solution.
This came in a message published by the Turkish Presidency's Communications Department on its account on the American company "X" platform, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10th of each year.
President Erdogan congratulated all of humanity, especially the Turkish people, on the 77th anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Erdogan stressed that this important document, which represents the shared values and achievements of humanity, still retains its distinction today as a global commitment that guarantees the inherent rights of every individual, adding that nevertheless, the rules and principles contained in the Declaration are being violated in many parts of the world, and that concepts such as peace and justice are constantly declining.
In his message, President Erdogan pointed out that the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza, which resulted in the killing of more than 70 Palestinians, is an indication of a grave violation of the values contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He expressed his regret that injustices continue in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, despite all the efforts made by the international community.
He added: “The path to a just and lasting peace in Gaza passes through strengthening the ceasefire that we helped to achieve and through implementing the two-state solution.”
The Turkish president stressed that the reconstruction of Gaza, which has turned into a huge pile of rubble, is a shared responsibility that falls on all of humanity towards the Palestinians.
He noted that Israel is showing contempt for law and order by violating the ceasefire with attacks that have killed at least 370 Palestinians since October 11.
He stressed the great importance of intensifying international pressure on Israel to prevent Gaza from being dragged into conflict again.
He continued: “Similarly, our initiatives focused on peace and dialogue continue in order to stop the bloodshed between brothers in Sudan and restore security and stability to the country.”
Combating racism and Islamophobia
Erdogan also explained that combating cultural racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia is important to uphold the principles contained in the declaration, stating that ignoring hate crimes and their rhetoric, failing to implement the necessary measures and penalties against them, and even encouraging them in many cases under the pretext of freedom of thought, is completely unacceptable.
He added: “We in Turkey, with our rich historical heritage, will continue to defend human rights and dignity throughout the world, without discrimination based on language, race or origin, and we will contribute to achieving global peace and security at the highest levels.”
He went on to say: “We will take decisive steps to finally eliminate the scourge of terrorism that has claimed the lives of thousands of our people and hindered our progress towards prosperity and stability for nearly half a century.”
He continued: “We will first achieve the goal of a Turkey without terrorism, and then, God willing, we will inevitably reach the goal of a region without terrorism based on development, solidarity, cooperation, and peace,” stressing that Turkey is determined, patient, and sincere in achieving this endeavor.
In conclusion, Erdogan wished that this day would bring peace, prosperity and stability to the whole world, especially Gaza, the rest of Palestine and Sudan.
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