Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Reminding that the elections for the Kayseri province and its counties have been concluded, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they were in Kayseri to congratulate the newly elected and reelected chamber/exchange presidents.

Calling to attention the fact that the Gezi Park protests have reached their 20th day, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they always support the exercising of democratic rights. The TOBB President said, “We are, as a democratic institution, naturally not opposed to the exercising of democratic rights. However, we are convinced that democratic rights should be exercised within democratic regulations. The Turkish business community defends the expression and exercise of words and ideas. This must be done within the word of law. It would otherwise lead to chaos. We’ve said this since the very first day: Everyone is free to express their ideas. However it must be done according to the law. The chaos has damaged the image of Turkey nationally and internationally. National morale has hit a low and, internationally, we have suffered great damage. Yes to the exercise of democratic rights; no to disturbing the public peace, arson and vandalism. It is impossible to accept any actions causing harm to public property and establishments.”

- “The streets must be evacuated”

Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he spoke for everyone when he says that the streets must be evacuated. The TOBB President said, “Evacuate the streets so that those wishing to exploit the social fault lines in Turkey will not get the chance. We think that we are presenting too many opportunities to tamper with social fault lines. This should not be allowed. Turkish employers, workers, craftsmen and agriculturalists should show that we stand together. Let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot. Let’s not harm ourselves. I can say, as someone who has been to the four corners of Turkey, the streets must be evacuated. Those participating in the protests for their rights are harming traders, shopkeepers and small businesses and usurping their rights. We are getting complaints from service providers to various large provinces in Turkey. Our worker brothers have voiced their complaints. We’ve come to the point that nobody can work. We must call a stop to it. Everyone has had their say. Everyone is aware of everything. This needs to end.”

Kayseri Chamber of Commerce Board President Mahmut Hiçyılmaz and Council President Mehmet Filiz presented Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with a plaque. Hisarcıklıoğlu presented Kayseri Chamber of Commerce Board President Mahmut Hiçyılmaz, Kayseri Chamber of Industry President Mustafa Boydak and Kayseri Commodity Exchange President Şaban Ünlü with copies of Yunus Emre’s Divan, prepared for print by TOBB.

Afterwards, Hisarcıklıoğlu attended a joint meeting with the council members of the Kayseri Chamber of Commerce, Bünyan Chamber of Commerce, Develi Chamber of Commerce and Yahyalı Chamber of Commerce.

- Support for Hisarcıklıoğlu from Kayseri’s presidents

The presidents of the chambers and exchanges of the Kayseri province and its counties have declared that they will support TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu for his re-election. Thanking them for their support TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are all working together for the good of Turkey and that they will do everything in their power to provide better service.