Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Also attending the Arbitration Meeting held in the TOBB Conference Hall presided over by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu were Deputy PM Yalçın Akdoğan, TESK, TİSK, TÜRK-İŞ, HAK-İŞ, MEMUR-SEN, TZOB and TOBB directors and representatives.

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his speech that all ideologies, political views and creeds are present during the meeting, representing the workers, public servants, farmers, craftsmen and employers of Turkey; also present during the meeting are presidents and opinion leaders from various cities of Turkey especially from the Eastern and Southeastern regions.

Pointing out that PM Davutoğlu gives great importance to arbitration, both in the past during his term as Foreign Affairs Minister and presently during his term Prime Minister, meeting with civil society parties three times in just his time as PM, Hisarcıklıoğlu extended his thanks to Deputy PM Akdoğan for his sensitivity in regards to this issue. Referring to the unsavory events of recent days, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “There are those who have taken a leave of absence from their senses, causing damage to their own cities and endangering the lives of their own countrymen.”

- These incidents benefit no one

Praying for the grace of Allah upon those martyred as a result of the attacks and extending his condolences and well-wishes to the citizens who have been affected by the attacks, Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked the government for their rapid response to address the needs of those who have come to harm.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

“It abundantly clear that the incidents taking place contribute to the peace and stability neither our country nor the neighboring region. It does not benefit our region or the people of the region. This only benefits those who are distraught by the unity and solidarity in Turkey. It benefits those who wish ill of Turkey which has opened its gates to all who are in need, regardless of their creed, language or race. We remember quite well the days in the past when it was attempted to turn our diversity into a divisive weapon. Today, we will not allow the seeds of hate to be planted in our people, to sacrifice our children to such heinous plots. We will not allow attacks on our future, peace and prosperity. We must foil these ploys.”

- “The first prerequisite of achieving our goals is peace”

Drawing attention to the fact that, for the first time in years, employment, economy and prosperity the main topics when speaking of the Eastern and Southeastern Regions, Hisarcıklıoğlu went on:

“Dreams and hopes for the future are being voiced. For the first time, we dreamt of turning Diyarbakır, Van and Urfa into cities of industry and tourism. As a country, we dreamt of a greater Turkey. More than dreams, we drew plans and set goals. The people of the region achieved this. The opinion leaders filling this hall achieved this. The first prerequisite of achieving our dreams, our goals is peace. Peace, trade and prosperity form an inseperable whole. Without peace, there is no trade; without trade, there is no prosperity. We need to recognize that the stability of the region depends on Turkey being stronger, more prosperous and more stable. Peace must be the topmost priority of anyone who cares for the future of their region, country, city and children.

Turkey must act as the guarantee of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. This can only be achieved with the cooperation of 78 million. We believe in the insight of this nation. We believe that we will come out of this stronger. United, bigger and livelier; always together towards better days.”

- Prime Minister Davutoğlu

PM Ahmet Davutoğlu stating in his speech that a significant momentum has been created with the concept of a new Turkey, while at the same time, attempts to destabilize Turkey are being made, “Those who subject their own to terror and violence as witnessed in Syria should keep in mind that Turkey will never be pulled into such a calamity and a spiral of chaos.”

Davutoğlu extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the military and police personnel who’ve lost their lives in recent days in the helicopter and traffic accidents and the citizens who’ve lost their lives during the incidents and went on to pray for the grace of Allah upon the martyrs.

Stating that he is meeting with the representatives of the business world, Davutoğlu said that they would be meeting more frequently.

Davutoğlu spoke in regards to Akhism and the establishment of a private sector culture and his experiences as the son of a tradesman.

Davutoğlu said, in regards to the divisive incidents taking place in Turkey, that it is time for chambers and exchanges to come together and raise their voices to proclaim unity.

Davutoğlu stated that these divisive incidents are occurring at a time when Turkey is on the rise, pointing out that these are attempts to hobble and shut Turkey off from its growing power.

In regards to the incidents wherein 531 police vehicles, 631 civilian vehicles have been torched, 121 buildings including Quran courses, museums and libraries have suffered damage, Davutoğlu said, “Have these acts helped Kobane? Have these acts stopped the cruelty in Syria? Those who subject their own to terror and violence as witnessed in Syria should keep in mind that Turkey will never be pulled into such a calamity and a spiral of chaos.”