Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu’s statement is as follows:

“Allegations made against my person in a newspaper article today are completely false, fictitious and made with malicious intent.

Allegations made by CHP İstanbul Parliamentary Representative Gürsel Tekin are slander of the ugliest sort.

I would like to take this opportunity to address attempts to draw myself and TOBB into political arguments in the last two days.

As the President of TOBB, it is not my duty to take sides in political arguments; it is to relay the grievances and suggestions of the business community to politicians who have been elected and those in position to make decisions; it is to produce solutions and projects.

We do this by using common purpose and consultation. In this regard, we consult with both ruling and opposition parties as well as state officials on a daily basis.

I vehemently censure those who, with the intent to sow discord by falsely accusing me of making various statements during our meetings CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu which never took place.

I have always made sure to prevent the political arena and my assigned positions never overlap. I will not be provoked by those wanting pull TOBB into politics and those seeking political gains for themselves.

Unless Gürsel Tekin retracts or amends his statements which include false allegations made against me, I will begin the necessary procedures to seek legal recourse in regards to this issue.”