Bishkek: The leaders of member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on Wednesday adopted a declaration, which called for an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon. The declaration came after the 11th Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS, which was held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Bishkek Declaration emphasized the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and expressed unequivocal support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders. The leaders voiced grave concern over attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and supported international recognition of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The declaration also noted the OTS’s approval of a UN General Assembly resolution from May, which recognized Palestine’s qualification for membership in the organization and urged all countries to re
cognize Palestine. This call for action comes amid escalating violence, with Israel launching a significant air campaign in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, following a year-long cross-border conflict. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 3,000 deaths and more than 13,500 injuries, as reported by Lebanese health authorities. The conflict intensified with Israel’s ground assault into southern Lebanon beginning on October 1 this year.
The Bishkek Declaration also addressed internal OTS matters, spotlighting Kazakhstan’s successful chairmanship under the slogan “Turk Time.” The declaration highlighted how Astana’s leadership propelled efforts to enhance convergence and solidarity within the Turkic World, aligning with the principles of the Nakhchivan Agreement, which established the OTS in 2009.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov was commended for successfully guiding the 11th Summit’s discussions, and Kyrgyzstan’s new role as chair until the next summit was welcomed. Additionally, the leaders end
orsed a new flag for the organization, symbolizing Turkic identity, unity, common heritage, and values. The OTS, founded in 2009, includes Trkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan as full members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as observers.