Yildirim echoes call for UN Security Council reforms

ISTANBUL

The UN’s current structure is failing the world, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Saturday.

“The mechanism formed after the Second World War does not fulfill today’s needs and a decree larger than nearly 200 UN member states gives decisions on behalf of whole world,” he said, referring to the UN Security Council’s five permanent members.

“This is never, ever a fair situation.”

Speaking at the International Conference of Asian Political Parties in Istanbul, Yildirim said reform of the UN’s charter should be completed as soon as possible. “Otherwise, the question about the UN will increase and trust in the UN is progressively eroded,” he said.

Turkey has repeatedly called for Security Council reform and highlighted the lack of a Muslim nation among the permanent five.

He also spoke about Turkey’s hospitality towards 3 million refugees and its fight against terrorism.

While other countries had voiced their appreciation of Turkey’s efforts to help refugees, Yildirim said responsibility should be shared jointly. “We, as a unique country, have spent more than $20 billion to $25 billion,” he said. “We do not regret this. We would do more.”

Reporting by Murat Egilmez, Etem Geylan and Ismail Ozdemir : Writing by Emin Avundukluoglu