Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The joint statement read by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu is as follows:

“We, the organizations active in every part of the country;
Turkish Workers’ Syndicates Confederation (TÜRK-İŞ)
Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans Confederation (TESK)
Turkey Agriculture Chambers Union (TZOB)
HAK-İşçi Syndicates Confederation (HAK-İŞ)
Public Servants Syndicates Confederation (MEMUR-SEN)
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB),
are following the developments regarding the events of the recent days which started in İstanbul and spread to many provinces.
The voicing of the opinions of our people in a lawful manner is, of course, their most basic right as citizens. We support the use of their democratic rights of the freedom to demonstrate which began with their sensitivity to the preservation of nature.
However, in recent days, we have sadly observed attempts by marginal groups to subvert the protests to serve their own agendas.
Let none forget that the peace and security of the streets is of paramount importance for the future of our children and country. Violence and conflict not only do not solve anything, they also exacerbate the problems.
No fight for rights can be an excuse for endangering the lives and property of our citizens; victimization of tradesmen and damage to public property financed with the taxes of our citizens.
Our prudent citizens should be sensitive to these matters and should not allow such acts as arson and destruction to overshadow their rights and freedoms.
Acts must be democratic and in deference to democratic institutions and rules.
Our government and institutions should provide all support for our honest citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
Turkey is strong enough to put these events behind it in short order with its democracy and standards of justice. The historical experience and prudence of our great nation will carry us unto brighter tomorrows.
Respectfully”