Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

- Morale visit to Gazianterp

16 civil society organizations (CSOs), professional organizations and syndicate confederation presidents visited Gaziantep to convey their condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attacks. Meeting with the local tradesmen, the delegation held a joint press conference with the Governor Erdal Ata and the Municipality Director Dr. Asım Güzelbey in Gaziantep.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, professional organizations and syndicate confederations, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu prayed for the grace of Allah upon the civilians, soldiers and security forces martyred during the terror attacks in Gaziantep.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his speech that, “Those who committed this atrocity and those who ordered it during the Blessed Ramadan Holiday, when the spirit of unity and solidarity reaches its peak during holy days laced with mercy, lack all qualities of humanity.

We vehemently condemn this inhuman act of terrorism and those who hope to benefit from it once again.

All over Turkey, professional organizations representing all parts of society, syndicate confederations and CSOs we would like to emphasize the following:

All of our citizens should know that this heinous attack is a part of the dirty games being played on our country. The only target of this dire event is the destruction of the unity and solidarity of our nation.

- “We will shatter these dirty games”

We all know that there has never been a lack of an affliction of dirty games throughout the history of this nation.

The nobility, solemnity and astuteness of our nation have always foiled these dirty games.

Our greatest strength has been our solidarity.

Those who would attempt to weaken the bonds of our fraternity today should know that the bonds this land ferments are very strong.

Let none forget: This country is like no other; this nation is like no other!

Because THIS Nation sees the trap being prepared for it. To say it openly: This nation will not fall into the trap!

- The futility of terror

The fact that this heinous attack was perpetrated in Gaziantep shows the hopelessness and futility of those who hope to benefit from this.

Because Gaziantep is Turkey’s and the region’s brand city, a symbol of a fast growing economy giant and the unity and solidarity.

Thus, those who lack the courage to look people in the eye, look to the future of this country and fear it.

They think to harm our unity and solidarity with these acts.

Those who intrigue to this end and their collaborators should know,

Our Nation stands as one with all of its elements and no amount of intrigue will succeed in disturbing this unity.”

- Our solidarity will become even stronger

Stating that, never mind setting our nation upon itself, these heinous acts will make the bonds of solidarity even stronger, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that terror is the shared problem of the country and that this matter can never benefit anyone.

Thanking President Gül and the leaders of the political parties, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The display of unity and solidarity in Gaziantep by the leaders is the greatest hope of our people in these dark times. This picture of unity gladdens the friends of Turkey while disheartening its enemies.

This nation has the power to overcome any obstacle. All that we require is to see unity. Now, we must make this the predominant stance in all national matter and make it lasting.

Then there will be no power which can stand up to this country. All that we request from our politicians is that they maintain this spirit of unity and solidarity and approach national matters with this mindset.”

Stating that a new constitution which will strengthen the unity of the nation and democracy will be the most important element in thwarting these heinous plans, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Today is the day to think, work and act as one. Today is the day to stand by our solidarity. Today is the day to be one, to be big and lively! Today is the day!”

- Hisarcıklıoğlu answers the journalists’ questions

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu answered the questions of the journalists after the joint press conference. In answer to the question inquiring the possible steps to be taken regarding the families of the martyrs, Hisarcıklıoğlu, pointing out that the local organizations’ presidents were also present at the meeting, said, “In regards to the martyrs’ families we stand ready to do all that we can and have come together with the presidents in Gaziantep. In this regard we have taken on the responsibility for the education costs of the 5 children involved as the 16 institutions and organizations you see here.”

- “Will it negatively affect the will to invest?”

Thanking the Gaziantep Governor and security forces, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They have acted with all due haste in reaching a resolution in this regard. We thank them. They showed that the 74 million live in peace and that any ill intent will be found out immediately. We hope that the perpetrator of this act will be caught and brought to Turkish justice as soon as possible.”

Expressing gratitude for seeing the representatives of the 16 organizations united and in solidarity, a journalist asked if the ongoing terror acts would deter their appetites for investing as a single entity in Gaziantep. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that in regards to matters of unity and national issues, institutions and organizations, professional organizations, syndicates and CSOs would always act as one.

M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We will continue to act as one in matters which concern our country. I would like to thank all the institutions and their presidents who adhere to this. Today is the day to be together. We are together here today. We want to show this.”

- The delegation

Members of the delegation were: TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, TÜSİAD President Ümit Boyner, TESK President Bendevi Palandöken, Türk-İş President Mustafa Kumlu, , TZOB President Şemsi Bayraktar, Hak-İş President Mahmut Arslan, Memur-Sen President Ahmet Gündoğdu, Türkiye Kamu-Sen President İsmail Koncuk, MÜSİAD President Nail Olpak, TÜMSİAD President Hasan Sert, TÜRMOB President Nail Sanlı, ASKON President Mustafa Koca, TİM President Mehmet Büyükekşi, TUSKON Vice President Kasım Fincan, TÜRKONFED President Erdem Çenesiz ve BAKTAD President Mehmet Yıldırım.
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