Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The 35^th meeting of the Turkey-European Union Joint Consultative Committee was hosted at TOBB by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with the attendances of EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik, Turkey-EU JCC Co-Chair Annie van Wezel and EU Turkey Delegation Chair Ambassador Christian Berger.

In his opening address, stated that the meeting planned for July has been postponed to today due to the Fetullah Terror Organization’s coup attempt.

Pointing out that the effects of the coup attempt on the Turkish economy and administrative system, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the process of identifying those involved in the attack and those who supported it is underway.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a negative outlook is being formed in the international arena in regards to democracy, economy and the investment environment present in the country, “We, as the civil society representatives of Turkey’s workers, public servants, farmers, craftsmen, employers and the whole of society, believe in democracy, the rule of law, independence of courts and the freedom of belief, conscience and enterprise. We organize all of our policies and endeavors around these values.”

Stressing the importance of improving the application of these values throughout Turkey’s EU membership process, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the accession strategies of candidate countries for the EU should bring candidate countries and the EU closer together.

- “Parliaments are a place for negotiation and dialogue”

Pointing out that the EU has become a power involved in the whole of the continent from a one-time club of 6 members, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the future strategic success of the EU depends on Turkey’s membership.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are greatly saddened by the European Parliament’s proposals for the temporary freezing of Turkey’s membership process, “This decision by the European Parliament lacks objective foundations, adopting a single viewpoint approach to developments in Turkey. This is contrary to the primary tenets of a parliament. Parliaments are a place for negotiation and dialogue. They should not be a place to freeze or shelve negotiations.”

- EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik

Speaking at the 35^th meeting of the Turkey-European Union Joint Consultative Committee EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik, touching on the July 15^th coup attempt, said, “Under such circumstances, the first reaction of the European Parliament should have been to stand up for another democratic parliament. You are our friends, with important duties. A month and a half after the coup attempt, there has yet to be a visit from the European Parliament to Turkey, not even a phone call. Now, you’re saying ‘We stand with the Turkish people against the coup attempt,’ which is a pretty rhetoric, but little else. The Turkish government was in Paris following the Charlie Hebdo attack, standing in solidarity with all leaders. A strong message was put forth against terror. The leaders of the European Union should have shown their solidarity in Ankara with the Turkish democracy.”

Stating that the fight for democracy is eternal and that nobody is perfect, Minister Çelik, “We must be in solidarity as democratic nations, cooperate constructively and keep the channels of communication open”.

- Other speakers

EU Turkey Delegation Chair Ambassador Christian Berger said in his address, “We understand Turkey’s concerns following the coup attempt of July 15^th. Be assured that we hear the concerns you’ve voiced. We understand the concern that the EU did not state its position clearly early enough.”

EU Turkey Delegation Chair Ambassador Berger stressed the importance of the meeting at a time when EU – Turkey relations are strained and that relations between EU and Turkey are robust despite the present temporary situation.

Turkey-EU JCC Co-Chair Annie van Wezel stated that the courageous Turkish people prevented the success of the July 15^th coup attempt.

Stating that the coup attempt puts added security responsibilities for Turkey, Wezel said that they urge governments to cooperate against such attacks.