Turkey | New statement by 46 retired navy admirals, the crisis extends

Defence Redefined

05/04/2021

A new statement, this time by 46 retired navy admirals calling themselves Sea Lions, expresses concern over the Islamization of the Turkish armed forces and their deposition from the Ataturk authorities. Tomorrow, the AKP will convene under the chairmanship of President Tayyip Erdogan to assess the situation.

The joint statement said: “We are deeply concerned that recent military regulations and administrative arrangements could impede the principles and reforms bequeathed to us by Ataturk, the Kemalist system and the way of life targeting the basic characteristics of the Turkish Republic.” The same statement also states that “they removed the relief of Ataturk from the State medals and the phrase Republic of Turkey as members of the armed forces – with audacity – participated in activities of various religious orders openly in their uniform. These images are developments that cause concern.”

Meanwhile, reactions from the government against the admirals continue. The Turkish Ministry of Defence said in a statement that “we are convinced that our independent judiciary will do what is required. The Turkish Armed Forces, fully aware of the benefits and harms of international treaties, cannot be used as a tool to satisfy the ambitions and personal desires of those deprived of any duty or responsibility.”

The Central Committee of the AKP is meeting tomorrow to discuss the joint statement of the retired navy admirals, as stated by the Secretary General of the ruling party Fatih Sahin. 

“We are dealing with a statement that we have encountered many times in the history of our democracy, it is a crime against constitutional order. The appropriate response will be given,” Sahin said, adding that the prosecutor’s office and the courts would make the necessary assessment of the case. Tomorrow’s meeting of the party will be chaired by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who is currently at the Marmaris resort for a short rest.

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Source: CNA