TUSIAD continues efforts to curb tension

As part of its efforts to curb rising tension due to the closure case against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) head Arzuhan Dogan Yacindag yesterday held separate meetings with Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan and Suleyman Celebi, head of the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions (DISK). "The joint call of TUSIAD and other groups for common sense is a very encouraging step that everybody should support," said Toptan afterwards. Stressing that TUSIAD's aim is to give hope and confidence to the Turkish people, Yalcindag said, "We intend to find a way through this crisis, and we can see that these visits are a great help in finding a solution." Appearing alongside Yalcindag, Celebi said, "DISK is ready to fulfill its duty to help reach a compromise," adding that the ruling party is mainly responsible for this crisis. Yalcindag also met with Tugrul Kutadgobilik, head of the Confederation of Turkish Employers Associations (TISK). In related news, speaking about the closure case and rising tension, leading Turkish businesswomen Guler Sabanci, the chair of Sabanci Holding, said, "Turkey is now undergoing a critical period, and the world is facing a pressing important economic crisis. Everyone needs to show common sense, calm and a spirit of compromise."