Row mars Erdogan-Clinton talks in Qatar
A diplomatic row emerged during the meeting between Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton in Doha, Qatar on Sunday.
A US diplomat tried to walk in the meeting, which was expected to take 20 minutes, but lasted over an hour, and clashed with the Turkish prime minister's adviser, Turkey’s Haberturk news portal reported.
Joseph LeBaron, US Ambassador in Doha, who was waiting at the door, tried to enter the room, saying the expected time was extended. LeBaron told the Turkish delegation members that "we have a meeting with the Emir, wrap up the meeting." After the delegation representatives declined to do so, LeBaron was angered and headed toward the door, making his way through security. When the Turkish diplomats attempted to stop him, LeBaron shouted at them "Finish up. The Emir of Qatar is more important than you."
This reportedly prompted a clash between Erdogan’s foreign policy adviser Fuat Tanlay and the US ambassador. "You can’t belittle my country! You are not the one to judge who’s grand and important," Tanlay exclaimed, and headed toward LeBaron, after which the two diplomats grabbed each other by the collars. The turmoil at the doorstep was heard inside the room, but Erdogan and Clinton did not interrupt the meeting.*
A US diplomat tried to walk in the meeting, which was expected to take 20 minutes, but lasted over an hour, and clashed with the Turkish prime minister's adviser, Turkey’s Haberturk news portal reported.
Joseph LeBaron, US Ambassador in Doha, who was waiting at the door, tried to enter the room, saying the expected time was extended. LeBaron told the Turkish delegation members that "we have a meeting with the Emir, wrap up the meeting." After the delegation representatives declined to do so, LeBaron was angered and headed toward the door, making his way through security. When the Turkish diplomats attempted to stop him, LeBaron shouted at them "Finish up. The Emir of Qatar is more important than you."
This reportedly prompted a clash between Erdogan’s foreign policy adviser Fuat Tanlay and the US ambassador. "You can’t belittle my country! You are not the one to judge who’s grand and important," Tanlay exclaimed, and headed toward LeBaron, after which the two diplomats grabbed each other by the collars. The turmoil at the doorstep was heard inside the room, but Erdogan and Clinton did not interrupt the meeting.*
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