Erdogan: "Turkey's peace process can be model for Europe"

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a speech at the 5th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Vienna on Wednesday, saying that the atmosphere of brotherhood that he expects will prevail in Turkey soon will be a good model for Europe and other countries. Referring to the latest initiative by his Justice and Development Party (AKP) government to hold talks with the outlawed PKK after 30 years of bloody conflict between PKK terrorists and Turkey, Erdogan said the EU's support for Turkey in its fight against terrorism was significant in terms of the success of the UNAOC initiative Alliance of Civilizations, adding that Turkey's EU membership could also contribute to its success. Underlining the the rising trend of fascism across the Europe, Erdogan said, "We are facing a world in which racist attacks have gained momentum, terrorism has claimed more lives, and religions and sects treat each other with less understanding," Erdogan said, adding, "Similarly, I must state that rising racism in Europe is a serious problem for the Alliance of Civilizations Project. Aside from countries indifferent to Muslim countries, disrespectful attitudes toward Muslims living in certain countries continue to hurt consciences. We witness very frequently the alienation of the 'other' in various countries instead of efforts to understand the culture and beliefs of the 'other.'  Just like Zionism, anti-Semitism and fascism, it becomes unavoidable that Islamophobia must be regarded as a crime against humanity." Stating that there are many examples in the world where people from different cultures live together in peace and tolerance, Erdogan said countries that consider cultural, religious and ethnic differences as valuable have achieved great success throughout history. Touching on the world's reaction to the Syrian crisis, Erdogan said the modern world has failed the test of the Syrian conflict. Recalling that the death toll in Syria is approaching 70,000 people, Erdogan said the sense of justice was seriously damaged due to world's indifference to the conflict. Erdogan questioned the structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying the permanent five members of the council did not actually represent the whole world. In response to Erdogan's criticisms, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that a reform regarding the UN Security Council has been discussed by the last 20 years by the member states, but that they could not reached a satisfactory point with regard to the issue.