What's on the menu?
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s wife was left in tears today as her husband walked off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His red face and hunched shoulders made clear his fury to the rest of the panel and stunned audience members, including US President Barack Obama’s close adviser Valerie Jarrett.
Erdogan’s ire came after having to sit next to Israeli President Shimon Peres with whom he avoided eye contact throughout the hour long session. Anger levels were then increased when Peres gave a speech regarding Israel’s accounts of the the Gaza Strip conflict. The furious Turk could barely control himself and was seen huffing and puffing along with fellow panellist Amr Moussa, the former Egyptian foreign minister who now leads the Arab League.
However, it was shortly after Peres had finished his speech that the confusion began. The forum moderator, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, was told through an earpiece that it was “time for Turkey”. Before the Turkish leader had a chance to start a monologue, Ignatius announced:
“Ladies and Gentleman, I’ve just been told that dinner will be served in a few moments, therefore I will give each panellist a minute to sum up their previous statements.”
An exasperated Recep Erdogan jumped to his feet and pointed a finger at the Israeli President saying:
“I remember two former prime ministers in your country who said they felt very happy when they were able to enter Palestine on tanks. I find it very sad that people applaud what you said. There have been many people killed. And I think that it is very wrong and it is not humanitarian.”
Ignatius then said: “We can’t start the debate again. We just don’t have time.”
Erdogan: “Please let me finish.”
Ignatius responded: “We really do need to get people to dinner.”
“Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. I don’t think I will come back to Davos after this.” blasted back the Turkish premier.
Prime Minister Erdogan then walked off the stage to later be consolled by Arm Moussa and forum founder Klaus Schwab. Many of the assembled guests and media were left shocked by the raised voices at the elite gathering of corporate and world leaders. Former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik was said to be upset at the ruffling of feathers over such a delicate matter.
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