Turkey has consistently been a voice for justice and conscience in international relations, asserting its stance on the fundamental values of Western society by opposing the genocide in the Gaza Strip. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made these remarks in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini ahead of his official visit to Athens on December 7.
The Turkish leader was asked about his criticism of the Western and Israeli stance on the situation in the Gaza Strip, and whether Ankara then belongs to the Western camp. "Turkey, along with Greece, joined NATO 71 years ago," - responded Erdogan. - "As we recognize, the criterion for belonging to the West or Europe extends beyond membership in the European Union. Furthermore, within the context of relations with the EU dating back to 1963, Turkey is in the same Customs Union and holds candidate status. In this regard, Turkey, with its democratic structure and the values it upholds, shares numerous commonalities with EU and NATO member countries. It is also a founding member of many prominent Western international organizations, including the UN and the Council of Europe. Consistently, we have been a voice for sound decisions, justice, and conscience in international relations."
"Turkey's response to the injustice and inhumane treatment endured by the Palestinian people, coupled with our willingness to criticize Israel for actions that blatantly violate international law, humanitarian principles, and human rights, is entirely natural," - continued the president. - "In light of the increasing alignment of many Western countries with similar positions, Turkey's fulfillment of this moral obligation regarding the issue of Palestine should not cast doubt on whether it 'belongs to the West or not.' Instead of questioning Turkey's orientation and stance, it is more meaningful to scrutinize instances where some Western nations may, at times, overlook the values they vehemently uphold. The silence surrounding the brutality in the Gaza Strip serves as the most evident example. In fact, by condemning the genocide in Gaza, we are also upholding the fundamental values of Western society."
Erdogan underscored that "the fundamental rights of people of all ages, including babies in their cradles, are being violated in Gaza." He questioned the silence in the face of gross human rights violations, the systematic occupation of people's lands and homes, the disregard for property rights, and the deprivation of Palestinians' right to determine their own future, asking, "Where do all these actions align with the values of Western civilization?" Erdogan further questioned whether bombing hospitals, targeting schools, refugee camps, markets, and killing civilians align with Western values. He also raised concerns about the acceptance of a position that urges people in the Gaza Strip to "go south" and the bombing of those heading in that direction. The Turkish president concluded by asking, "Now I pose the question: Does Turkey or the countries deliberately remaining silent on all of this truly belong to the West?"
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS