UN General Assembly
1959

130. While reviewing questions affecting our Arab brothers it is impossible not to mention the question of Algeria. Turkey has always felt profound sorrow at this problem which has arisen between the Algerian people, to whom Turkey is attached with numerous strong ties, and France, its traditional friend for many centuries, and its ally. Turkey on many occasions has expressed from this rostrum the hope that this question may find a just and peaceful solution. It is known that in the present phase a number of studies are being conducted and contacts are being sought. We have studied carefully the last statement made by the President of the French Republic. I think that it might be too early to arrive at definite conclusions on every one of the various aspects of this statement. But it is already evident that this distinguished statesman is exerting great efforts to find a solution to this problem worthy of the humanitarian and liberal tradition of France. This is made clear from the fact that the statement in question includes the principle of self-determination and the possibilities of independence which might evolve from that principle. I think that it would be appropriate for the Members of the United Nations and the interested parties to take these considerations into account.