Istanbul, 9 October 2023 (TDI): The President of Turkey, Tayyip Erdoğan during his speech at the opening ceremony of Istanbul Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church in Yeşilköy, Istanbul, on October 8, spoke over resolving the Palestine-Israel issue.
While speaking about the Palestine-Israel issue, President Erdogan stated, “Those knowledgeable about the history of the Middle East can see the fact that the Palestinian issue lies at the essence of all the current problems in our region.”
He added that permanent peace can be achieved in the Middle East only if the Palestine-Israel issue is solved once and for all.
“Likewise, our civilization pays no regard to the identity of the oppressed or the oppressor. It is our duty to stand up to the oppressor and to stand with the oppressed, regardless of their name, faith, or allegiance,” he emphasized.
Underscoring the importance of the preservation of a two-state perspective for the solution of the issue, President Erdoğan noted, “The requirement that an independent and geographically-integrated State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with al-Quds as its capital, be established can no longer be delayed.”
President Erdoğan highlighted that Turkey has voiced its reactions and objections regarding dividing al-Quds as well as harassment targeting al-Haram al-Sharif at every opportunity.
“We have never refrained from speaking what is right and telling the bitter truth even when the entire world has fallen silent.”, President Erdoğan added.
In speaking about ensuring peace for the Palestine-Israel issue, he elaborated, “While we have always stood in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, we have also underscored that steps which could escalate the tension, cause further bloodshed and aggravate the problems in the region should be avoided.”
Moreover, he delineated that Turkey has diligently worked through relevant institutions to alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Gaza due to the blockade.
He also stated, “Today as well, we act by the principle that ‘there are no losers in a just peace.”
In further speaking on restoring peace, President Erdoğan stressed that Turkey while holding talks with its counterpart ardently focused on establishing tranquility, lasting peace, and stability in the region through the solution of the Palestinian issue according to international law.
He further added, “Unfortunately, Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the entire region, pay the price for the delay in delivering justice. Particularly the suffering and death of innocent children and babies in their cradles wound the hearts of all of us.”
Also read: Middle Eastern nations condemn escalation of violence in Palestine
President Erdoğan asserted, “Adding fuel to the fire will benefit no one, including civilians on both sides.”
President Erdoğan pledged that Turkey is ready to do its part to the best of its capacity to end the fighting as soon as possible and alleviate the heightened tension due to the recent incidents.
He concluded by stating, “We are determined to increasingly maintain the diplomatic efforts we are engaged in to restore calm. We also invite all the influential actors in the region to sincerely contribute to peace.”
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