Turkish Military Heads Resign
July 29, 2011 by UPI - United Press International, Inc.
ANKARA, Turkey, July 29 (UPI) — High-ranking members of the Turkish military resigned Friday over apparent controversy surrounding the appointment of generals, state media reports.
Turkish Chief of Staff Isik Kosaner and the top commanders in the Turkish air force, navy and army announced they have resigned, Turkish newspaper Today’s Zaman reports.
The newspaper reports there is a controversy between members of the military and the ruling Justice and Development Party. The ruling party said it wouldn’t approve the promotions for some military officials suspected of being involved in a shadowy coup against the government.
There are 195 suspects in the military accused of plotting against the government.
Kosaner met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days as the government considered promotions for top military officers.
The military last year tried to promote a number of high-ranking officers who were on trial for various criminal cases, the Turkish newspaper adds. The government blocked several appointments.
Erdogan is to meet with senior military officials Monday. He denied there were major tensions with the military.
“The laws regarding dismissals and promotions are obvious,” he was quoted as saying.
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