05.12.2016 Ankara
Speaking at the Turkey-EU JCC meeting, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a negative outlook is being formed in the international arena in regards to the investment environment in Turkey in recent years and said, “Our economy stands robust as ever. Those who invest in Turkey will always profit in all circumstances.”
The 35th
meeting of the Turkey-European Union Joint Consultative Committee was hosted at
TOBB by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with the attendances of EU
Minister and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik, Turkey-EU JCC Co-Chair Annie van
Wezel and EU Turkey Delegation Chair Ambassador Christian Berger.
In his opening
address, stated that the meeting planned for July has been postponed to today
due to the Fetullah Terror Organization’s coup attempt.
Pointing out that the
effects of the coup attempt on the Turkish economy and administrative system,
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the process of identifying those involved in the
attack and those who supported it is underway.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that a negative outlook is being formed in the international arena in regards
to democracy, economy and the investment environment present in the country,
“We, as the civil society representatives of Turkey’s workers, public servants,
farmers, craftsmen, employers and the whole of society, believe in democracy,
the rule of law, independence of courts and the freedom of belief, conscience
and enterprise. We organize all of our policies and endeavors around these
values.”
Stressing the
importance of improving the application of these values throughout Turkey’s EU
membership process, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the accession strategies of
candidate countries for the EU should bring candidate countries and the EU
closer together.
- “Parliaments are a place for negotiation and dialogue”
Pointing out that the
EU has become a power involved in the whole of the continent from a one-time
club of 6 members, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the future strategic success of
the EU depends on Turkey’s membership.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that they are greatly saddened by the European Parliament’s proposals for the
temporary freezing of Turkey’s membership process, “This decision by the
European Parliament lacks objective foundations, adopting a single viewpoint
approach to developments in Turkey. This is contrary to the primary tenets of a
parliament. Parliaments are a place for negotiation and dialogue. They should
not be a place to freeze or shelve negotiations.”
- EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik
Speaking at the 35th
meeting of the Turkey-European Union Joint Consultative Committee EU Minister
and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik, touching on the July 15th coup
attempt, said, “Under such circumstances, the first reaction of the European
Parliament should have been to stand up for another democratic parliament. You
are our friends, with important duties. A month and a half after the coup
attempt, there has yet to be a visit from the European Parliament to Turkey,
not even a phone call. Now, you’re saying ‘We stand with the Turkish people
against the coup attempt,’ which is a pretty rhetoric, but little else. The
Turkish government was in Paris following the Charlie Hebdo attack, standing in
solidarity with all leaders. A strong message was put forth against terror. The
leaders of the European Union should have shown their solidarity in Ankara with
the Turkish democracy.”
Stating that the
fight for democracy is eternal and that nobody is perfect, Minister Çelik, “We
must be in solidarity as democratic nations, cooperate constructively and keep
the channels of communication open”.
- Other speakers
EU Turkey Delegation Chair
Ambassador Christian Berger said in his address, “We understand Turkey’s
concerns following the coup attempt of July 15th. Be assured that we
hear the concerns you’ve voiced. We understand the concern that the EU did not
state its position clearly early enough.”
EU Turkey Delegation
Chair Ambassador Berger stressed the importance of the meeting at a time when
EU – Turkey relations are strained and that relations between EU and Turkey are
robust despite the present temporary situation.
Turkey-EU JCC
Co-Chair Annie van Wezel stated that the courageous Turkish people prevented
the success of the July 15th coup attempt.
Stating that the coup
attempt puts added security responsibilities for Turkey, Wezel said that they
urge governments to cooperate against such attacks.