Turkey rejects 'sofagate' criticism as 'unfair', blames EU

Turkish president Erdogan has come under fire for a seating mishap during his recent meeting with the EU. Now, his foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, has hit back.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

08 April, 2021

Erdogan's meeting with EU leaders was overshadowed by 'sofagate' [Getty]

Turkey on Wednesday blamed the European Union for seating arrangements that left European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen without a chair during a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan and Turkish officials came under a torrent of criticism after images went viral of his meeting on Tuesday with von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel in Ankara.

The well-appointed room the three leaders walked into had only two chairs arranged next to the corresponding EU and Turkish flag.

Read more: How EU sanctions on Turkey reveal a divided Europe

Erdogan and Michel seated themselves while von der Leyen - whose diplomatic rank is the same as that of the two men - was left standing.

"Ehm," she said pointedly while appearing to spread her arms in wonder.

Official images later showed her seated on a sofa opposite one taken by Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Cavusoglu said Thursday that criticism levelled against Turkey for the diplomatic blunder was "unfair."

"The seating arrangements were made in line with the EU suggestion. Period. We would not be revealing this fact had accusations not been made against Turkey," Cavusoglu told reporters.

"The demands and suggestions of the EU side were met and the proper protocol applied during the meeting," he said.

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