Business world condemns Ankara bombing, calls for unity against terror

ANKARA/ISTANBUL

CİHAN photo

Turkey’s business world expressed sorrow over the Feb. 17 bomb attack targeting shuttles carrying military personnel in Ankara killed at least 28 people and wounded 61. 

“We feel terrible sorrow for the lives lost in the terror attack in Ankara. We condemn all types of terrorism and violent attacks and offer condolences to all families who have lost relatives. We wish all those injured a quick recovery,” said Turkish Business and Industry Association (TÜSİAD) head Cansen Başaran-Symes in a speech at a meeting in Istanbul on Feb. 18.  

Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) head Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu also “condemned terrorism,” which he said “targets peace and fraternity by slaughtering innocent people.” 

“We will stand against such brutal attacks as a whole country together,” Hisarcıklıoğlu said. 

The Independent Industry and Business Association (MÜSİAD) offered condolences to all families who lost their relatives. 

“Terror has no religion, language or excuse. We will overcome these days just as we have done in the past,” said MÜSİAD in a written statement. 

Board of Foreign Economic Relations (DEİK) head Ömer Cihad Vardan slammed the attack and called for “social unity against terrorism.” 

The International Investors Association of Turkey (YASED) underlined the importance of “being and acting together against such brutal attacks.” 

Meanwhile, the Marmara Group Foundation published a statement along with 3,200 think tanks with a consultative member status at the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

“With the hope of never again experiencing such grief, we would like to express our deep condolences to the martyrs who have fallen for their country and wish a quick recovery to the wounded,” said foundation president Akkan Suver. 

Many other business communities condemned the deadly attacks in Ankara and demanded peace and solidarity across the country, including the Exporters’ Assembly of Turkey (TİM), the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO), the Turkish Young Businesspeople Association (TÜGİAD), the Touristic Hoteliers Federation (TUROFED), and the Union of Chambers of Agriculturalists (TZOB).