Condemns The Rights Of The UN Security Council Veto, Turkey: Can't Stop The Ceasefire And Palestinian Aspirations

The UN DK meeting discussed the draft full membership resolution of the Palestinian Union. (Twitter/@UN_News_Centre)

JAKARTA - Turkey, one of the supporters of the United Nations (UN) reform, criticized the veto rights of the UN Security Council, which is considered a barrier to the Palestinian right to a place among other countries.

"Turkey firmly believes that the use of veto rights in the UN Security Council should not hinder the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people," Turkish Permanent Representative for UN DK Ahmet Yildiz told the General Assembly on Wednesday.

"This should also not be a barrier to the ceasefire," he continued. Highlighting the importance of overcoming veto by permanent members of the Security Council against the draft Palestinian acceptance resolution at the United Nations, Yildiz stressed "Turkey's steadfast support for Palestinian applications for full membership at the United Nations."

He urged the international community to immediately address the Palestinian issue and recognize the basic rights of the Palestinian people.

Yildiz also regretted the stalemate that occurred on the council, calling it a serious setback for the basic principles of the United Nations and its mandate to maintain international peace and security.

Underlining the eternal challenges posed by Palestinian issues of peace and security in the Middle East, the Turkish envoy stressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning brutal attacks and expulsion of Palestinians.

He stressed the urgent need to implement the resolution and actions of the relevant council issued by the International Court (ICJ), strongly opposed any military operation against the Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Calling international law applies to all countries without differences and discrimination, Yildiz asserted, no country is above the law.

"The consequences of neglecting international law will only lead to more instability, more aggression, more conflict, and more suffering," he explained, warning of fears of expanding conflict in the region.

Last February, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regretted the failure of the UN Security Council in responding to the Hamas-Israeli conflict and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying reforms were necessary in the agency, assessing the conflicts had weakened its authorities.

Speaking at the opening of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Secretary General Guterres said the UN Security Council was often deadlocked and "cannot act on the most important issues of peace and security today".

"The lack of unity of the Security Council in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and in Israel's military operations in Gaza following the horrific terror attack by Hamas on October 7, has been very, perhaps fatally, damaging to its authorities," Secretary General Guterres said.

"The board needs serious reforms to its composition and work methods," he continued.