WATCH YOUR STEPS
MR. AMBASSADOR

Let me begin with a brief note on the title: The phrase “watch your steps” is a commonly used expression in American political language. Its meaning is clear: be mindful of your conduct and know your limits.

The framework governing diplomatic relations is not confined to a single document. However, one of its primary pillars, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), defines the duties of diplomatic representatives in a clear and unambiguous manner.

An ambassador’s role is not to interpret, influence, or disparage the domestic politics of the host country. The role is to observe, report, and contribute to the development of relations between the two states.

The relevant provisions of the Convention make this explicit:
Your duty is to assess developments in the host country within legal boundaries and report them to your own government. This duty does not include the authority to make political judgments or to shape political direction.

Likewise, another fundamental responsibility is to promote friendly relations between the two states. Public statements that directly engage in debates over the political system of the host country are incompatible with this responsibility.

The constitutional order of Türkiye is not an open field for discussion.
The Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye is explicit:

The Republic of Türkiye is a state governed by the rule of law.
Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation.
The fundamental characteristics of the Republic cannot be amended, nor can their amendment even be proposed.

Therefore, attempting to redefine the system of governance of this country through alternative concepts is not merely a political opinion; it amounts to disregarding the constitutional framework itself.

To put it plainly:
You are not an actor authorized to speak on the exercise of sovereignty in Türkiye. You have neither such authority nor such a domain.

Diplomatic immunity is not a license to operate above the law. It is a safeguard that enables you to perform your duties under defined conditions. The same Convention also outlines the measures that may be taken in cases where these boundaries are exceeded.

A state, if it deems necessary, may declare a diplomat persona non grata without providing justification. This is the most severe step. However, there are also various other measures within the framework of diplomatic practice, and these options are always available.

In summary:
The constitutional order of Türkiye is the product of a political will established in 1923 and shaped under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This is not a structure that can be redefined through external interpretations.

Once statements move beyond legal boundaries, they cease to be opinions and become violations.

For this reason, the warning is clear:
Any step taken beyond the scope of your diplomatic mandate will produce consequences that should not be expected to go unanswered.

İstersen bunu daha da “policy paper” seviyesine çekebilir ya da daha agresif bir op-ed tonuna kaydırabilirim.