Turkish Chief of General Staff and Force Commanders Resign

Highest-ranking Turkish soldiers quit from posts

Gen. Işık Koşaner, Turkish Chief of General Staff requested his retirement Friday afternoon.

His request was followed by the similar requests by Turkey’s Land, Sea and Air Force commanders.

The Supreme Military Council, or YAŞ, is to meet on Monday.

Other soldiers are expected to be promoted so that that the council can convene.

Gendermarie Commander Gen. Necdet Özel, the only commander who did not ask for retirement, later arrived at Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s office for a meeting.

Erdoğan and Özel are expected to release an official declaration.

As expected General ÖZEL was appointed as Commander for Land Forces, to be further appointed as Chief of General Staff.

TURKISH DAILY NEWS / BUSINESS TURKEY TODAY

29 July 2011