President Abdullah Gül has until the end of the month to indicate names for the new posts of Chief of General Staff and Land Forces Commander. Some media speculate that the president could indeed nominate the two key positions today, but so far there is no indication as this would indeed happen.

The decisions regarding assignment and promotions at the Turkish army taken at the High Military Council (YAS) meeting have been ratified by the President Abdullah Gül last night. Eleven generals who are currently on trial within the scope of the so called “Sledgehammer” military coup plot against the government were excluded from promotion. And this has prompted speculation over a new harsh disagreement between the government of the AKP (Justice and Development Party) and the Army.

It is reported that Hasan Iðsýz was not assigned as Chief commander of the Army Nr.1 and this post was filled by Commander of Land Forces Education and Doctrine (EDOK) General Erdal Ceylanoðlu who became known to the public after the tanks showed off in Sincan after 29 February coup plots. Commander of the Army Nr.2 Saldýray Berk who is the main defendant at Ergenekon Erzincan Case became EDOK Commander.

According to the statement from Turkish General Chief Office Commander of Gendarmerie General Atila Iþýk was replaced with General Necdet Özel. Duty terms of the commander of Navy Eþref Uður and Air Forces Hasan Aksay were extended for another year.