ALBAWABA - A conference on Turkey, titled "The Role of Public Diplomacy in Turkish Foreign Policy," became the center of attention as Armenian protesters attempted to provoke disruptions during the event, ultimately requiring police intervention.
Held at the Sheindlin Forum and moderated by Dr. Robert Banks, Director of the USC Annenberg Master's Program in Public Diplomacy, the conference featured notable speakers, including Hasan Murat Mercan, Turkey's Ambassador to Washington; Ramil Gurbanov, Consul General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles; Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, President of the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE); Ambassador James Jeffrey, Head of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center; Gökhan Coşkun, Director of YEE USA; and Saner Ayar, Managing Director of O3 Media, among others.
The disruption began when a protester was removed from the venue by the police after directing derogatory remarks towards Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the event's organizers.
Shortly after the opening speeches, a group of 11 students initiated a protest as Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan prepared to deliver his address.
Another protester verbally targeted Ramil Gurbanov, Consul General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles.
The demonstration, which lasted approximately 10 minutes and accused Turkey and Azerbaijan, was halted by campus security and law enforcement. The protesters were subsequently escorted out of the venue.
Throughout the conference, protesters outside attempted to disrupt the proceedings by creating noise and disturbances.
Ambassador Mercan further underlined that Turkey's foreign policy principles are rooted in the motto of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: "Peace at Home, Peace in the World." He reaffirmed that Turkey has consistently approached all segments of society with respect since its establishment.
Ambassador Mercan advocated for Turkey's active involvement in global developments, both in its immediate region and in distant regions such as Africa. He called for the initiation of more projects in these areas.
Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş pointed out that diplomacy encompasses various forms, including "public diplomacy," which enables a more personal connection with individuals worldwide, surpassing the limitations of traditional diplomacy.
Following the conclusion of the conference, Şeref Ateş, President of YEE; Ismail Demirezen, Religious Services Attaché of Turkey in Los Angeles; and Saner Ayar, Managing Director of O3 Media, were subjected to a physical and verbal assault by demonstrators gathered outside the venue.
