We will protect democracy, unity until the end: Aydın Doğan

Below is the message from the honorary chairman of Doğan Holding, which owns a number of media outlets, including the Hürriyet Daily News.

“The support we gave to the Ankara visit of the European Council on Foreign Relations’ distinguished delegation is an expression of our determination as a group to protect our country and our democracy after the [July 15] coup attempt. A rare atmosphere of reconciliation, which involved both the ruling and the opposition parties and large segments of society, emerged in our country after July 15. That new atmosphere made all of us happy and gave hope to us.

“The continuation of this unity atmosphere, which also manifested itself in the [Aug. 7] Yenikapı rally, is the most sincere desire of all of us.

“We, as the Doğan Group, have taken a stand that supported this new atmosphere of reconciliation in the aftermath as how we strongly protected our democracy on the night of July 15. We are sincere with this stance.

“We are also determined to maintain our journalism in line with global principles. We will also not permit arguments which will lead to the distortion of this environment of reconciliation. If there is anyone who will attempt to distort this atmosphere of unity in Turkey which emerged in the aftermath of July 15, he or she will be responsible.”