Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya issued a written statement regarding the exclusion of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel from the protocol speeches at the August 30 Victory Day ceremony in Kütahya.
'All protocol rules are determined by relevant regulations and circulars'
Yerlikaya stated the following on the matter:
"In such an environment where we reflect our unity and solidarity in the best way, creating artificial agendas is a disrespect both to August 30 and to our Dear Nation. August 30 is an 'official' celebration ceremony, not a 'private' one. The ceremonies to be held, the celebrations, and all protocol rules that must be followed from A to Z are determined by relevant regulations and circulars. The framework is clear. These rules have been strictly followed for years. How the official celebration program for our Republic Day and our August 30 Victory Day will be conducted is clearly specified in the legislation."
WHAT DID ÖZGÜR ÖZEL SAY?
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel had announced that he was not included in the protocol speeches at the official ceremony to be held in Kütahya for August 30 Victory Day. Özel had stated, "A minister, chosen by the stroke of one person's pen, will speak. The founding party of the country, which received the most votes in the last elections, will not speak. What will happen there? Our party members will not be able to tolerate or digest this. There will be a commotion and noise. They are hoping for this tension. I swear I will not give them that opportunity."
News Source: 12punto
