TUSIAD urges govt, opposition to pull back from brink of possible crisis

The Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) yesterday called on both the ruling and opposition parties to act with common sense, stressing that it is worried that Turkey is moving towards polarization and a possible regime crisis. In a statement, TUSIAD said Turkey could only overcome this crisis through lessened tension, dialogue, full democracy and respect for the rule of law. It further warned the government that pushing through legal changes to make closing parties more difficult in the midst of the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) own closure case would only make things worse. Instead, the group said the government should focus on the nation's prosperity and stability, and consider other people's viewpoints. It also urged opposition parties to offer alternative solutions to Turkey's problems in step with the realities of the global economy.