17.01.2014 Ankara
TOBB, TZOB, TÜRK-İŞ, TİSK, HAK-İŞ, MEMUR-SEN and TESK made a joint proclamation. The proclamation is as follows:
“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.”