Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The tenth meeting of the Constitution Platform, comprised of civil society organizations held under the secretariat of TEPAV was held in Trabzon with a large attendance.

Attending the meeting held at the Trabzon World Trade Center were TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, TBMM Speaker Cemil Çiçek, representatives of the AKP, CHP, MHP and BDP of the TBMM Negotiation Commission, Constitution Platform Members, local and national NGO representatives and randomly selected civilians.

Speaking at the meeting TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that this was the 10th meeting and that it was gratifying to see that the largest attendance to date has been in Trabzon.

Emphasizing that Turkey has goals, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “On the centennial anniversary of our Republic, we will be one of the 10 largest economies in the world. What does this mean? It means that every member of this country will be richer. We will raise the per capita income to 25,000 Dollars. Each citizen of this country will live on standards on par with those of European citizens. Because this nation deserves it. We don’t have a single minute to waste. However, the current system is no longer compatible with these goals. We need a new constitution to reach our goals.”

- We are of one heart

“Prosperity and plenty in unity; anguish in dissent,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and went on, “We’ve come together with 21 professional organizations, syndicate confederations and civil society organizations to create the Constitution Platform. Among us are businessmen, workers, artisan, public servants and retirees. All of these organizations have different ideas and world views; all of them have different goals. If you were to ask we would all say different things. However, we’ve come together for the future of this country. We have become of one heart during the new constitution process.”

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu went on, “We must construct a new system which will render our people more free and rich and our government stronger. We must construct a new system, the justice of which is trusted by all, the future of which is believed by all, a system which ensure freedom of thought, religion and conscience and the freedom of enterprise. The foundation of that system will be the new Constitution! The new Constitution will not be formed behind closed doors with the agreement of experts but with the agreement of the people. The tailor will be the people themselves this time.”

- A day to speak freely

Emphasizing that the residents of Trabzon are outspoken, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They speak plainly what they know to be right wherever they are. State whatever you think today. Speak freely on every issue. Explain what kind of country, what kind of government you want openly. If you choose not to speak today, then the consequences will be on your heads. Don’t let your children account for this.”

- TBMM Speaker Cemil Çiçek

TBMM President Cemil Çiçek, in his speech said, “We have not come to talk to you as the Constitution Negotiation Commission. You already watch us on television. We have come to listen to you. We attend these meetings as the presidents of these institutions and politicians to show you that we support this process and that your views are as commands for us.”

- Hisarcıklıoğlu and Çiçek visit Trabzon TSO

After the meeting, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the TBMM Speaker Cemil Çiçek visited the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TTSO).

Cemil Çiçek was briefed by the Board President Suat Hacısalihoğlu regarding the work of the chamber. TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu presented TBMM Speaker with a memento commemorating the visit.
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