BY SUKRU KUCUKSAHIN
HURRIYET- Chairmen of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), the Confederation of Employer Unions (TISK), the Confederation of Turkish Trade Union (Turk-Is), the Confederation of Turkish Real Trade Unions (Hak-Is) and the Confederation of Public Employees Trade Unions (Kamu-Sen) yesterday released a joint declaration regarding Friday terrorist attack against the Turkish military station Aktutun in the Semdinli region of the southeastern province of Hakkari.
Yesterday's press conference was the third initiative against terrorism of these Turkey's leading non-governmental organizations.
But, this time, as I see, they believe that the time for taking action has already come.
Participants have been limited with membership of the Economic and Social Council. I wish other leading unions and chambers such as the Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions of Turkey (DISK), the Confederation of Public Workers' Unions (KESK) and the Turkish Union of Chambers of Architectures and Engineers (TMMOB) could also be included.
As I understood, the limitation was for want of time, perhaps the platform can be expanded in the implementation of the action plan.
Two points drew most attention at TOBB Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu's reading out the declaration.
People who provide support to terrorists either directly or indirectly were warned that they will face great harm in long term.
The statement, 'Countries which allow their territories to be used as a base for terrorist attacks have legal, political and moral responsibilities,' was an open message to the Iraqi administration.
The chairmen didn't answer the questions of reporters, as they were in rush to attend one of the 15 dead soldiers, Hasan Aygor's funeral. The question whether the declaration points to an action plan left in the air.
During my short talks with chairmen afterwards, I felt the existence of preparation of an action plan, but as the details are not clear yet, it will be announced later.
In my opinion, the greatest action will be organizing mass demonstrations in Turkey similar to the ones held in Spain previously with participations of millions of people which had real effect.
Coming days probably will see a series of meetings and preparations to ensure wide participation with leading figures of the society, including political party leaders in the front lines.
In a nutshell, the action aims to realize Turkey's largest civilian protest led by non governmental organizations against terrorism.
It would be great to see an organization which doesn't separate but rather unifies the society, millions coming together against the terrorism and with the large support from all parts of the society.