The Istanbul Women and Women's Organizations Association (İKADDER) held a press conference titled "Announcement to the Public from NGOs" at the Bağlarbaşı Cultural Center on January 7, 2016. In addition to representatives of NGOs supporting the statement, the meeting was attended by Şeyma Şahin, wife of Istanbul Governor Vasip Şahin; Nuray Güler, wife of Üsküdar District Governor Mustafa Güler; and Av. Şeyma Döğücü, President of the AK Party Istanbul Provincial Women's Branch.

ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE PUBLIC FROM NGOs!

We, 117 Civil Society Organizations from 19 different provinces of Turkey, are following with concern the darkening agenda of our country and the world. Unfortunately, the political maneuvers of the "Alliance of the Unvirtuous" aim to destroy a region, including children, women, and the elderly, along with its cultural values.

Turkey is at the center of this game! Intense external pressure threatens our country. Irresponsible political, civil society, and media actors who try to use and support this pressure for their own purposes are consciously or unconsciously pushing our country into a great trap.

Against all this encirclement, we, as Civil Society Organizations, declare:

The integrity of our country, our peace, and our ancient values ​​are our indisputable red lines, beyond all political strife. This red line, which we agree upon and will not compromise on, should be among our most important sacred values.

The natural gas problem, the difficulties threatening our commercial lives, and the fear of being deprived of a comfortable life are being imposed on us as a major threat. Our belief system, tradition, and history are full of examples of sacrifice. The spirit and potential of Çanakkale live on vividly in our society, and especially in our women.

These pressures concern all our citizens: Turkish, Kurdish, Laz, Circassian, Arab, Greek, Roma, Armenian, etc. We know that only if this country is safe, are we all safe.

Despite all the threats and obstacles, we express our gratitude to our state officials who are striving to protect the historical mission, independence, and stability of our country, and to our armed forces and security forces who are fighting at the cost of their lives.

We, as NGOs, respectfully announce to the public that we are ready to fulfill any duty and make any sacrifice required of us.