TUSIAD Asks New Government to Adhere to EU Process
The Turkish Times, November 4, 2002, Washington, DC - TUSIAD praised the smooth completion of the early elections held on November 3, 2002, and commended Justice and Development Party (AK Party) for securing the first place with an overwhelming majority in the Parliament, receiving approximately 34 percent of the votes.

"The new government should utilize its majority status in the Parliament as a means to ensure long-craved political stability in the country. The fact that nearly 45 percent of the votes are not represented in the Parliament puts a grave responsibility on the new government’s shoulders. In this respect, the new government should seek for reconciliation with the opposition on major issues," said a TUSAID press release.

"The outcome of these elections suggests that a new elections law that would provide fair representation, along with stability, should be brought into agenda. In corollary, some fresh changes are necessary in the Law on Political Parties that would facilitate a more democratic political party system and overall, a healthier political environment.

TUSIAD urges the new government to pay sufficient attention to three major areas:

1) FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE REPUBLIC AND DEMOCRACY:
Founding principles of the Turkish Republic should be honored and meticulously followed. Valuing political opposition and respecting public reaction are two indispensable principles in any well-functioning parliamentary democracy. Furthermore, democratization process in the country should be expanded and deepened.

2) ECONOMIC PROGRAM:
Implementation of Turkey’s economic program should continue vigilantly in conjunction with the agreement concluded with the IMF in a bid to enhance macroeconomic stability. Adherence to the completion of structural economic reforms plays a critical role in this regard. While appealing for support and confidence of international financial markets, the new economic administration should also work for restoring resilience in national markets through resolute and harmonious policies. The majority status in the Parliament enables the new government to take bold decisions without populist concerns.

3) EU MEMBERSHIP PROCESS:
EU membership process and relevant legal and institutional reforms should be persevered through a wider commitment to political, economic and social transformation of the country. The new government should always bear in mind that the majority of the Turkish society considers the EU membership to be an ultimate target. To this end, necessary initiatives on the EU front should be immediately taken ahead of the EU Copenhagen Summit in December 2002."