16.07.2016 Ankara
Speaking with NTV, CNN Turk and Habertürk, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu vehemently condemned the coup attempt.
Taking part in live interviews over the phone, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:
“The night of July 15th has seen an attempt against the unity
of our country and democracy. From the first moment we declared that, as the
private sector, we would not recognize any will but that of the people and the
legitimately elected government. Thanks to the stance of our nation, our heroic
law enforcement forces and patriotic soldiers, the coup attempt was foiled. I
appreciate the unity and solidarity shown by our political parties and
politicians against the enemies of democracy and thank them as a citizen.”
Stating that the nation will never forgive those who have shot at their
people; who have bombed the TGNA and various public institutions; who have
brought soldiers and police to conflict, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I hope that those
who targeted the unity of our country and our democracy will suffer the
penultimate punishment.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I was in Ankara last night. Because of the
locations we are situated in Ankara, we were close to the places which were
attacked. The sensitivity of 365 chamber and exchange chairs in their provinces
has been the most gratifying to see as well as the messages from other
countries’ chamber union chairs throughout the whole affair, asking if they
could provide assistance. This shows that there can be no acceptance of this
incident, neither domestically nor internationally. Thankfully it is over, I
hope that this will never be repeated.”
- There can be no will but that
of the National Assembly
“The TGNA, elected by the people is present. People have shown their
will at the ballot box. Those elected are representing the people at the
National Assembly. It is impossible to
accept any other will in this day and age.
I said that this was treason; it is also a strike at the Turkish
economy. You are aware of the difficult times for tourism, many foreign
tourists could return to their countries. Thankfully this is all behind us
without too much damage. But it will have its costs.
I believe that we will receiver quickly. Our counterparts have expressed
their condolences and have offered support which I find to be gratifying. My
condolences to our nation. May Allah never show us the likes of these again.”
Emphasizing that the Turkish business community has always been on the
side of the democracy, our nation and the government, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As
the private sector, we will stand against those who oppose the unity of our
country, its unity and democracy.
This coup attempt has been thwarted. Turkey stands at an important
milestone. The events of last night, as perpetrated by traitors has kicked off
a chain reaction causing damage to the Turkish economy via the tourism sector. There
will, of course, be a reflection upon the Turkish economy. But we are a great
nation, and I believe that through hard work and by strengthening our
relations, we will bring our country to a better position. I would like to share one bit of good news
with you. My counterparts, especially foreign ones have called me to extend
their condolences and to offer support and aid to Turkey, which was quite
gratifying.”