Erdogan at the UN: The organization can no longer guarantee international peace. The Turkish president calls for reform of the Security Council

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday in New York, during the plenary session of the UN General Assembly, that the organization is no longer capable of fulfilling its role as guarantor of international peace. The Ankara leader called for Security Council reform and more effective international involvement in current conflicts.

Erdogan criticized the situation in the Gaza Strip and said that “no one with a conscience can turn a blind eye” to what is happening in the Palestinian enclave. He expressed regret over the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from the General Assembly session and urged states that have not recognized Palestine to reconsider their position.

The Turkish president called for increased pressure on Israel to end the war. In his speech, he also addressed the conflict in Yemen, saying that Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts alongside all parties involved to end the confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Ankara believes that prolonging hostilities serves the interests of neither side and will maintain its role as a mediator.