TURKEY REQUESTS US SUPPORT IN SUBMITTING ITS

UNCLAS ANKARA 006593 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL TU SUBJECT: TURKEY REQUESTS US SUPPORT IN SUBMITTING ITS CANDIDACY FOR UNSC SEAT ¶1. (U) On November 10, 2004, we received a letter from the Turkish MFA General Director for Multilateral Affairs Duray Polat to Ambassador Edelman requesting U.S. support for Turkey's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2009-2010 term, the elections for which will be held during the 63rd session of the General Assembly in 2008. ¶2. (U) Following is the text of the letter: Your Excellency, I have the honour (sic) to present my compliments to Your Excellency and enclose a brochure on Turkey's candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2009-2010, at the elections to be held during the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly in ¶2008. The Turkish Government attaches utmost importance to this candidature which is based on Turkey's unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Turkey has actively contributed to the efforts to preserve peace and stability at the regional and global levels and has supported the UN activities in social, economic and humanitarian fields. With regard to peace and security, Turkey has provided troops, civilian police officers and observers to international peacekeeping missions in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East. Although a founding member of the United Nations, Turkey has not been represented in the Security Council since 1961, when it had split a term with another country. Turkey believes that as a member of the Security Council, she will be better equipped to bring its further contribution to international peace and security as well as to cooperation and development. The Turkish Government would very much appreciate the valuable support of the Government of the United States of America for Turkey's candidature to the Security Council for the term 2009-2010. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. ¶3. (U) The letter was accompanied by a brochure in support of its candidature. We are sending by U.S. mail to EUR/SE copies of the brochure. EDELMAN