Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech, Mete condemned the coup attempt which took place on the 15^th of July, extending his condolences for those who have lost their lives. Stating that TOBB announced that it would stand with the democratically elected government and renounced the coup, Mete said, “We’ve received messages of solidarity from abroad and we are providing accurate information to our foreign counterparts in regards to current developments as we see that there is a great deal of misinformation. This misinformation needs to be cleared up as soon as possible. It is saddening to not see the same level of support as the business community from country leaders. We must prevent this coup attempt from damaging our country’s democracy, business environment and economy. The state of emergency must be utilized effectively to strengthen the democracy and institutional infrastructure of our country. We consider EU relations to be very important in a similar regard.”

Stating that he has live through the 1960 and 1980 coups in which no lives were lost, Mete stated that this coup attempt was fundamentally different.

Pointing out that the revision of İKV’s action plans for the future are quite important, Mete stated that medium term goals would remain the same, such as the EU membership which requires in depth reforms. Mete touched on subjects such as the lifting of visas, modernization of the Customs Union as well as being party to the TTIP talks between the EU and the USA.

- İKV Chair Ayhan Zeytinoğlu

Financial Development Foundation (İKV) Chair Ayhan Zeytinoğlu stated that the coup attempt on the 15^th of July has been prevented by the whole Turkish nation in the pursuit of preserving democracy.

“İKV stands with the nation and government. We’ve made a declaration with 538 syndicates, confederations, profession organizations and NGOs under TOBB’s coordination in regards to the coup attempt. The business community stands staunchly against all coup attempts.

Zeytinoğlu stated that İKV aims to provide information regarding the EU; to bring news regarding the latest developments to the public and the business world; to contribute to the Turkey’s EU relations and accession process.

- İstanbul Chamber of Industry Chair Erdal Bahçıvan

İstanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO) Council Chair Erdal Bahçıvan condemned the coup attempt, stating that this bloody adventure would have set Turkey back decades.

Bahçıvan stressed the need for maintaining relations abroad with the same rigor as displayed nationally against the coup, stating that İKV has an important role in promoting Turkey’s positive image.

- İstanbul Commodity Exchange Chair Ali Kopuz

İstanbul Commodity Exchange Chair Ali Kopuz stated that Turkey is going through a difficult perod and that the İKV General Assembly is very important as a unified voice against the weapons directed against the Turkish people during the coup attempt.

Stating that the İKV serves the economic and social development of Turkey, Kopuz said, “İKV works to develop Turkey’s relations with other countries and the EU as well as promoting Turkey’s positive image. This institution has seen 2 coups, ultimatums, even the postmodern coup but none of them were the heinous coup attempt which took place on the 15^th of July. France has criticized Turkey for declaring a state of emergency in the wake of such violence while extending its own state of emergency. Germany declared a state of emergency the moment a terrorist attack took place but criticizes Turkey. This is dishonest and twofaced. They may not want to understand but we must tell their people, business community and traders.”

Following the speeches, İKV activity and financial reports took place closed to the press.