PM Will Not Take His Wife To August 30 Reception

The reception of the Army this year, revealed the “secret turban agreement” at the summit of the state. Chief of General Staff Hilmi Ozkok invited Prime Minister Erdogan and his friends in the Cabinet with their spouses, to the reception. The names of the hosts were written as “Mr. And Mrs. Hilmi Ozkok” on the invitation letters, which implied that those receiving the invitation were expected to attend with their spouses. The invitation was sent to the Prime Minister, ministers, Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc and the Parliament Deputy Speakers. Other deputies were not invited.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Erdogan reportedly decided not to take his wife, who wears turban, to the reception to avoid causing tension at the summit of the state. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will also attend the reception alone. Erdogan reportedly asked from the ministers to follow suit.

This will be the first August 30 reception for Erdogan. He was not invited to the reception last year despite the fact that he was the chairman of AKP, however Deniz Baykal, Chairman of Republican People’s Party (CHP), was invited.