TURKEY: SUPREME MILITARY COUNCIL RESULTS

UNCLAS ANKARA 001391 SENSITIVE SIPDIS EUR/SE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINS MARR TU SUBJECT: TURKEY: SUPREME MILITARY COUNCIL RESULTS ¶1. (U) Turkey's Supreme Military Council (YAS) announced on August 4 the results of its annual meeting to determine new assignments, promotions, and dismissals. As expected, Turkish Land Forces Commander (TLFC) GEN Ilker Basbug (bio info reported septel) was named the new chief of the Turkish General Staff (TGS),succeeding CHOD Yasar Buyukanit, who is retiring. Although the CHOD's term is typically four years, Basbug, like his predecessor, is expected to only serve two years before retiring in 2010 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 67. Second Army Commander GEN Hasan Igsiz (pronounced E-siz) was named Deputy CHOD, replacing GEN Ergin Saygun. Saygun was named First Army Commander, succeeding GEN Ismail Kocman, who is retiring. Jandarma Commander GEN Isik Kosaner has been named the Turkish Land Forces Commander (TLFC),putting him in position to become the CHOD in 2010. TLFC Chief of Staff GEN Atilla Isik was named the new Jandarma Commander. Aegean Army Commander GEN Necdet Ozel was named Second Army Commander. 11th Corps (Turkish Forces in northern Cyprus) Commander Hayri Kivrikoglu was promoted to 4-star and named Aegean Army Commander. Newly-promoted GEN Aslan Guner (4th Corps Commander) was named TLFC Chief of Staff. Assignments other than the CHOD are two-year terms which are set to begin on August 30, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations. Turkish Air Force Commander (TAFC) GEN Aydogan Babaoglu and Turkish Naval Forces Commander (TNFC) ADM Muzaffer Metin Atac both have one year remaining in their assignment. ¶2. (SBU) Unlike any of the sessions in recent memory, the YAS did not announce any expulsion of officers. Media speculation that the YAS would dismiss some active duty officers for involvement in press leaks, illegal acts or "reactionary activities" (being overly involved in religious activities) proved unfounded. ¶3. (U) The following is a summary of the Turkish military's key line up beginning August 30: Position Name Previous Position -------------- -------------- -------------- CHOD Ilker Basbug COM, TLFC DCHOD Hasan Igsiz COM, 2nd Army TLFC Isik Kosaner COM, Jandarma TAFC Aydogan Babaoglu Incumbent TNFC Muzaffer Metin Atac Incumbent Jandarma Atilla Isik COS, TLFC 1st Army Ergin Saygun DCHOD 2nd Army Necdet Ozel COM, Aegean Army Aegean Army Hayri Kivrikoglu COM, 11th Corps COS, TLFC Aslan Guner COM, 4th Corps Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey WILSON