Gul Denies Allegations Saying That There Are Diplomats Working Under Title Of Islam Or Religious Experts In Turkey

ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday, ''there is no diplomat who has the title of Islam or religious expert at diplomatic missions in Turkey.''
In response to a motion with notice submitted by Istanbul independent deputy Emin Sirin, Gul said, ''such a title for diplomats is not envisaged in the Vienna Convention which is the basis of all regular diplomatic relations. Also, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not recognize that kind of title.''
''We sent a note to the German Embassy in Ankara about the title of 'Islam expert' written on the ID card of Serap Ocak who has been working there. We warned the German Embassy officials that Ocak should use the title of 'second secretary' according to the Vienna Convention,'' Gul added.
(UK-MS) 28.10.2004