Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

“As the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Turkey Agriculture Chambers Union (TZOB), Turkey Workers’ Syndicates Confederation (TÜRK-İŞ), Turkey Employers’ Syndicates Confederation (TİSK), HAK Workers’ Syndicates Confederation (HAK-İŞ), MEMUR Syndicates Confederation (MEMUR-SEN) an Turkey Craftsmen and Artisans Confederation (TESK) we are here representing a myriad of different social strata.

We, who produce and work for Turkey, have come together to assess the process the country is undergoing.

Because;

Accusations of corruption and parallel government are threatening social peace and stability, endangering democracy and domestic peace,

At a time when global economy is finding its new balance, becoming bogged down in these arguments risks losing our momentum in a newly budding global order,

Developments which encourage dissent and polarization instead of unity and solidarity, trust in institutions and rules are being threatened while we should be focusing our energy on developing, more prosperity and democracy.

In order to get through this troubled time;

We insist that corruption and parallel government which threaten the economy and the business world matters should be investigated with determination,

We want to avoid arguments which subvert the separation of power principle of democracy into internal upheaval,

We want there to be no opportunities given to those who are disturbed by Turkey’s growing power,

We want there to be no obstacles to our economic success despite the global crisis,

We do not want the EU membership negotiations to be interrupted, quite the contrary; we want it to be sped up,

We want situations which could damage Turkey’s international image to be avoided,

We don’t want the esteem of our institutions, organizations and companies which produce and provide employment, to be so easily smirched or become the victim of state polarization,

We want the implementation of a constitution which reinforces the freedoms of expression, thought, belief and enterprise as well as reiterating respect for private life,

We would like to stress once more the need for a new social contract platform, now more than ever,

Turkey is still waiting for its new constitution.

It is accepted by all parts of society that there is dire need for a democratic constitution which adheres to universal rules of law and one which will aid in the transition to EU norms.

The only way to prevent conflict between legislative, executive and judiciary power is through the implementation of a new constitution.

Great duties fall to the National Assembly, political parties, institutions and civil society organization in Turkey which has focused on its centennial goals. These duties are to strengthen our Republic and to make it more democratic, secular as well as reinforce its property as a state of law, to institutionalize the state as a one of social justice and to prepare an exemplary Republic for the generations to come.

It should be noted that it is more difficult to create than to destroy. Behavior which could hurt this country could ruin all that we’ve gained so far.

The country should not be dragged towards uncertainty.

Our country is strong enough to withstand these difficulties through its strong tradition of governance.

We all work for this country; we all produce for this country.

The day is one uniting, not dissent.

Today is the day to move past short term conflicts and move together for our shared future.

BECAUSE TURKEY BELONGS TO US ALL.”