Bülent Arınç comments on photo featuring Chief of General Staff and Tom Barrack: 'Incompatible with state decorum'

Reactions to the photo taken during Barrack's visit continue to emerge one after another. Although AKP trolls have shared numerous posts claiming that the seating arrangement was the same in previous visits, the reactions from figures considered heavyweights within the AKP are drawing attention.

Finally, a similar reaction came from Bülent Arınç. In a statement on social media, Arınç used the following expressions:

"I have been following with concern the photos released regarding the meeting in recent days involving the Chief of General Staff and our force commanders with the US Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack. The fact that the ambassador appears to be in the position of the meeting's chair has caused discomfort in the public conscience.

In state life, protocol and representation are not just formalities; they are also indicators of sovereignty and dignity. Such images are not occurring for the first time. Just as the photo of the governor of the time presenting a gift to the Chief of General Staff in his office immediately after the major explosion in Afyon in 2012, where 25 of our soldiers were martyred, was met with public reaction; the incident in the past where our ambassador in Israel was deliberately seated in a lower chair has also gone down in history as a diplomatic disrespect.

The picture that has emerged today is similarly a protocol error that is difficult to explain. Mr. Barrack may have been assigned special duties by President Trump; however, he is ultimately the US Ambassador to Ankara and, in terms of status, is no different from the ambassadors of other countries. An ambassador appearing in the position of a superior or chair in a meeting held with the Minister of National Defense and force commanders is incompatible with state decorum.

If such a practice has become a custom, it must be reviewed immediately. The Minister of National Defense should chair such meetings, and the authority of representation must clearly and indisputably rest with the highest military and political officials of our state. If a meeting between equals is taking place, the seating arrangement should be determined accordingly.

The reputation of our state is hidden in details that may seem small in protocol. I believe that sensitivity must be shown."