Turkey / Army: Command structure to carry on as planned

[ozgurluk at xs4all.nl]

  1 April 1998

Army: Command structure to carry on as planned

  * 'Regardless of whatever or whoever else might change within the
 military, the determination to fight fundamentalism and terrorism
 will not change'

  _________________________________________________________________

 METEHAN DEMIR

Ankara - Turkish Daily News

Amidst rumors that Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi's
term would be extended by another year, the Turkish military on
Tuesday signalled that there would be neither an extension nor an
extraordinary change in its highest command posts in the upcoming
August term, when Karadayi's office ends.

Military sources told the Turkish Daily News that their commander has
no intention of remaining in his post or of considering any proposal
for extending his tenure past August.

"The Turkish Armed Forces have a perfect command-chain structure which
allows for incumbents and successors to work together in harmony with
the military's principles and sensitivities," said a senior general.

He stated that none of the generals are plotting against their
colleagues to garner promotion, adding that the creation of such
rumors by certain parties are intended to hurt the credibility of the
armed forces. Such rumors have recently created deep disturbances in
both military and political circles.

  Who is who?

The general said that this year in August, Land Forces Commander Gen.
Huseyin Kivrikoglu very probably will become the chief of General
Staff, while First Army Commander Gen. Atilla Ates will become the
next land forces commander. He added that Naval Forces Commander Adm.
Salim Dervisoglu, Air Force Commander Gen. Ilhan Kilic and Gendarmarie
Forces Commander Gen. Fikret Ozden Boztepe will remain in office
through August 1999. The general reiterated that regardless of
whatever or whoever else might change within the military, that body's
determination to fight radical Islam and terrorism will not change.

  Gen. Kivrikoglu ready for position as chief of staff

Meanwhile, a speech on Tuesday by Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu caused
speculation in military circles that Gen. Karadayi had enlisted his
assistance in sending the message that Kivrikoglu will be the next
chief of General Staff and to confirm that Gen. Karadayi will leave
the service as scheduled.

Gen. Kivrikoglu signalled that he is fully ready for his next post, if
that should be as chief of general staff. He pointed out that
regardless of the cost, all Turkish Armed Forces personnel must fight
against fundamentalism and the threat of terrorism, as well as all
internal and external threats, giving no concessions.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of first lieutenants at the
Armored Units Training School in Ankara, Gen. Kivrikoglu said that the
Turkish Armed Forces -- which takes its power from the constitution
and laws to preserve the democratic, secular and social state -- has
been proudly carrying out its responsibilities. He added that these
missions were given by the Turkish public to the Turkish military.

He warned all Turkish citizens to beware of Islamic reactionary
movements, adding that in order to be able to live in peace, the
Turkish Republic must be ready for all possibilities, including war.

Gen. Kivrikoglu's also repeated the comment that regardless of ranks
or names, the military will continue its determination to fight the
waves of radical fundamentalism.
 
-- 
Press Agency Ozgurluk
For justice, democracy and human rights in Turkey and Kurdistan!
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