TUSIAD: Urges Gov’t Cut Down Expenditure
"We must accept from the beginning that passing again to stability and a growth situation which we need will not be painless. History shows that nations can overcome such periods only through voluntary cooperation.
"As for the conditions related to this voluntary cooperation, the load has to be shared equitably through democratic solidarity. There's no question that can't be overcome on this basis. As for the duty which the government has to assume, the reforms which are in the program have to be completed in a atmosphere of conciliation as soon as possible," stated Eczacibasi.
TUSIAD Board Chairman Yucaoglu said: "A dimension of the crisis which started in Southeast Asia in 1997 and deeply affected financial markets had a direct influence on Turkey with the collapse of the financial system in Russia. When the political instability that our country has experienced within the last six months is added to the picture, the Turkish economy is in the most serious straits of the last few years.
"I want to underline once again the reforms which have been expected over the past seven to eight years have been necessary to save the Turkish community from inflation and to ensure that public sector expenditures is are put on a healthy basis. Our political parties have to relate this reality to the community and its various groups. Our Parliament has to complete all of the economic and political changes in 1999 before going on holiday or, at worst, after only a very short vacation break. Turkey's friends are recommending changes to the economy and some modern changes on the issue of human rights. So basically on this issue the community and business circles are of the same frame of mind."
As he left the TUSIAD meeting Businessman Sakip Sabanci was asked by waiting journalist for his opinion about the Fethullah Gülen affair. He replied that the tapes of Gülen, who has occupied Turkey's agenda in recent days, had been forwarded to the courts for investigation, and he added that it was not necessary for the situation to draw so much attention.
Fethullah Gülen has allegedly been engaged in anti-secular activities, according to headlines in Turkish newspapers.
Sabanci said, "The Foundations General directorate examines foundations. The Finance Ministry investigates where money comes from and goes to. The business has reached the courts. After this there's really nothing further to say."
Asked whether or not he had met with Gülen earlier, Sabanci replied: "I've been through some painful days. My brother died. He came to pay his respects and I met him."
Continuing along the line that it was not necessary for the Fethullah Gülen case to monopolize the headlines, Sabanci added: "There was the Susurluk case, the truck case. What happened? Didn't the media cover it? Didn't it do its duty? So in the end what happened? Nothing. Two months about we were talking about a different subject. Twelve months ago there were other subjects. But there was no result."
Turning economic subjects, Sabanci pointed out that the automotive and textile sectors were experiencing a deep crisis. Calling on the government to take emergency measures, the industrialist criticized the Economic and Social Council and proposed that TUSIAD be made a member of the council. 06.24.1999
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