The Supreme Military Council (YAS) convened its four-day session to determine appointments, promotions, and retirements within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Decisions are reached by votes of senior generals and admirals, with chiefs of staff carrying considerable influence, though top-ranking officers often exercise independent judgment given their career security at that level.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan chairs YAS sessions alongside the defense minister. Neither was expected to attach objections to the council's discharge decisions, a development analysts described as a constructive sign for democratic governance. Some AKP politicians had stirred controversy by suggesting the party could shape TSK appointments, a position Erdogan appeared to move away from after a lengthy meeting with Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit.
A government decree appointing Buyukanit to succeed outgoing Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok, set to retire at month's end, was prepared and forwarded to Cankaya Presidential Palace for approval. The public reception to Buyukanit's appointment was broadly positive.
Most remaining YAS decisions concerned lower-ranking general and admiral promotions. These choices will shape the TSK's senior leadership structure after 2010, carrying long-term implications for both the military and the broader future of the Turkish Republic.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in August 2006, in its own words.