CHP Leader Özgür Özel at the Socialist International Meeting: “I Propose Holding Our Next Meeting in Ramallah”

“WE DO NOT SUPPORT THE AUTHORITY OF FIVE COUNTRIES ALONE”

The Chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, delivered a speech at the Socialist International Presidium Meeting in New York, calling on all nations to take responsibility for ending the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and its surrounding areas. Özel stated: “I have two concrete proposals for the Presidium on this matter. The Socialist International Middle East Committee should take active initiatives to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, allow humanitarian aid to pass, and secure the release of hostages. To declare our sincerity and seriousness to the entire world, I propose holding our next meeting in Ramallah.” Özel further emphasized, “We do not find it appropriate that the five victorious countries of last century’s war still hold exclusive authority and maintain the outdated and unjust right of veto for addressing the challenges of this century. It is now essential to restructure the United Nations to make it more effective, democratic, and equitable.”

Özgür Özel attended the Socialist International Presidium Meeting in New York, USA. Beginning his speech by thanking Secretary-General Chantal and Paulina for their significant contributions during the Ad Hoc Meeting, he expressed his satisfaction in being part of the Presidium Meeting. He remarked, “Since our Madrid meeting, there have been significant developments. It is noteworthy that the Labour Party in the UK, at one end of Europe, and our party in Turkey, at the other end, both share the same worldview and have emerged victorious in elections. However, we have also witnessed far-right parties achieving historic levels of support in central European countries like Portugal, France, and Germany. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that in France, the right alliance strategy successfully prevented the far-right from coming to power. In addition to these developments, we observe with concern the tightening of Schengen practices due to increased migration pressures on Europe and the rise of anti-immigrant movements and violent incidents.”

“THIS ISSUE IS AS MUCH EUROPE’S PROBLEM AS IT IS TURKEY’S”

“Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees in the world. This is an enormous burden. It has caused numerous challenges in our country. However, as the CHP, we reject hostility toward refugees but take a clear stance against the policies that generate refugees. Europe must understand that leaving Turkey to deal with the refugee issue alone risks pushing society toward the harmful policies of the far-right. This will eventually lead to a greater refugee crisis in the future, making it a significant issue for Europe as well as for Turkey. The rise of the far-right distracts from worsening living conditions, fostering artificial agendas and deepening societal polarization. Addressing both the refugee crisis and the exploitation by the far-right is the duty of the great family represented in this hall.”

“GLOBAL INEQUALITIES MUST BE RESOLVED”

“Economic inequalities are deepening worldwide. While the wealthiest 1% holds nearly half of the global wealth, billions of people live in poverty and hunger. This is not merely an economic problem but a foundation of social and global injustice. It is the primary duty of parties like ours to eliminate the injustices caused by neoliberal policies. Without addressing these global inequalities, peace and harmony cannot prevail in the world.”

A CALL TO “STOP MAKING EXCUSES”

“Israel’s attacks on Palestine have continued for almost a year. Over 41,000 lives have been lost in Gaza so far, more than half of them women and children. Turkish-American citizen Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, who traveled from the US to Palestine to join protests, was killed by Israeli soldiers. The US administration failed to protect the rights of its citizen in the face of Israel. Our call to them is to abandon this passive stance, stop making excuses, and fulfill their responsibilities toward Ayşenur. Fulfilling their obligations to Ayşenur is not only a duty toward every US citizen but also a responsibility to humanity. Socialist International, as a platform representing leftist and socialist activists, should prioritize Ayşenur and others like her. The world has not adequately reacted to the massacres in Palestine, yet we are encouraged by some developments. We welcome the appointment of the Palestinian Ambassador in Spain and the recognition of Palestine by Ireland and Belgium.”

“LET US HOLD OUR NEXT MEETING IN RAMALLAH”

“I recently had a very fruitful phone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, where I shared my solidarity with the Palestinian people. He invited me to visit Palestine. I will be making a visit to Palestine in the coming days. I have two concrete proposals for the Presidium on this issue. The Socialist International Middle East Committee should take active steps to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, allow humanitarian aid to pass, and ensure the release of hostages. I propose holding our next meeting in Ramallah to declare our sincerity and seriousness to the world. We must move beyond expressions of hope and take concrete actions on this matter.”

“THE UN MUST BE RESTRUCTURED TO BE MORE JUST AND DEMOCRATIC”

“We held the Socialist International Ad Hoc Committee Meeting within the framework of our congress in Ankara in early September. Following our meeting on ‘Progressive Responses to Global and National Issues,’ we published the Ankara Declaration. While the United Nations General Assembly holds its annual meeting here, it is evident that the UN has failed to achieve ‘Sustainable Development Goals,’ improve global income distribution, or resolve conflicts in places like Gaza. We do not find it appropriate that the five victorious countries of the last century’s war remain the sole authority on this century’s challenges and continue to use the outdated and irrelevant veto right. It is imperative to restructure the United Nations into a more effective, democratic, and equitable institution. I highly value your support for the Republican People’s Party’s goal of full EU membership. The statement issued at the European Committee meeting in Bucharest, which fully supported this struggle, has given us strength in Turkey. I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to the European Union goal and thank you once again for your support. With these feelings and thoughts, I greet you all once again and thank Chantal and Paulina for their great friendship in Ankara and the entire target committee for a productive meeting. I send my love and respect to Pedro and all Presidium members.”