President's spokesperson and Turkey's top court judge deny internal tension

Both President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and the head of Turkey?s Constitutional Court have denied there is any tension between them, after joining a luncheon hosted by the former at the presidential palace in Ankara.

?There is no room for tension in the state?s governance. Of course, everybody states their views, but at a certain point what matters is not individuals, but the future of the state and the service of the state, the public service,? Constitutional Court President Ha?im K?l?ç told reporters as he was leaving the palace after the luncheon Jan. 28. ?Within this framework, these things could be considered as extremely normal, social relationships,? he added.

Along with K?l?ç, President Erdo?an also hosted Parliament Speaker Cemil Çiçek, Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu, and Justice Minister Bekir Bozda? in his capacity as the head of the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK). In addition, the heads of other top courts were also present at the meeting, including Zerrin Güngör, the head of the Council of State; Ali Alkan, the head of the Supreme Court of Appeals; Recai Akyel, the head of the Court of Accounts; Serdar Özgüldür, the head of the Court of Conflicts; Major General Ahmet Zeki Liman, the head of the Military Supreme Court of Appeals; and Major General Abdullah Arslan, the head of the Military High Administrative Court. 

Presidential Secretary-General Fahri Kas?rga and Hasan Do?an, the president?s chief of the cabinet, also joined the luncheon.

Speaking at a press conference held after the gathering, Presidential Vice Secretary-General and Spokesperson ?brahim Kal?n said it took place in an ?extremely warm atmosphere.? 

?Providing harmony between institutions is one of our president?s duties. The...