Unions, business groups to issue call for common sense

Seven labor unions and business groups, led by the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB), are set to issue a joint statement calling for common sense to help ease the recent tension in Turkish political life. "After each of our groups discussed the recent incidents by itself, we all agreed that Turkey is swiftly heading for polarization," said TOBB head Rifat Hisarciklioglu. "We're very concerned." Saying that the statement will discuss both the prosecutor's indictment seeking the closure of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the principle of the separation of powers, Hisarciklioglu added that it will warn that party closures hobble Turkey's democratic process and democratic institutions. After the statement's release, leaders of the signatory groups are set to meet with President Abdullah Gul and political party leaders.