ANKARA - Concerned laws defined imam-hatip high schools (schools for education of Islamic clerics) as education institutions raising personnel to be charged only in religious service, Turkish General Staff said on Thursday.
The General Staff issued a statement on the draft Higher Education Board (YOK) law.
In its statement, the General Staff said, ''to this end, it is not possible to say that the draft amendment in question conformed to essence of these laws.''
Turkish General Staff stated that ''circles and institutions which were undoubtedly loyal to the basic characteristics of the Republic should not be expected to adopt that draft.''
The statement of the General Staff said, ''views and attitude of Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) about principles of the Republic particularly the principle of 'democratic, secular and social state of law' are the same today with its yesterday's views. And, they will be the same tomorrow. Nobody should have doubts about this view and attitude of TSK.''
''Turkish Armed Forces refrained from expressing its views about the recent constitutional amendments which included issues related with our institution although it had rightful reasons in order to make constructive contributions to European Union (EU) membership process of our country,'' the statement said.
The statement noted, ''in the press conference held on April 2004, Turkish Armed Forces clearly announced issues which are indispensable for itself. Within this framework, Turkish Armed Forces is carefully following developments about the draft YOK law presented to the parliament.''
''The 32nd article of the National Education Basic Law no 1739 says that 'imam hatip high schools are education institutions which are bound to the secondary education system of the National Education Ministry and which gives not only vocational education but also prepares students for higher education in order to raise personnel to be charged only in religious service,'' the statement said.
The statement went on saying, ''as stated in the reports of the parliament and senate commission in which the reason of the article of the law is written, it is obvious that the higher education institutions mentioned in this article are the higher education institutions giving education in the same field. Also, the fourth article of the Law no 430 foresees that theology faculties should be formed in the universities in order to raise religious experts and that separate schools should be opened to raise religious officials in order to fulfil religious services.''
''As it is seen, the mentioned laws define imam hatip high schools as education institutions which raise personnel to be charged only in religious services. To this end, it is not possible to say that the draft amendment in question conformed to essence of these laws. It is obvious that practices contrary to the system foreseen by the 32nd article of the National Education Basic Law and the fourth article of the law no 430 will harm 'unity of education' and 'secular education' principles targeted by the mentioned articles,'' the statement said.
The statement continued, ''to this end, circles and institutions which are undoubtedly loyal to the basic characteristics of the Republic should not be expected to adopt that draft. Another important issue foreseen by the draft is changes which will enable transfer of some authorities of the Higher Education Board listed in the sixth article of the YOK law to the universities. Aims of this transfer of authority should also be carefully examined.''
''As you can remember, the draft law on vocational schools was presented to the parliament in October 2003. Although it was shelved due to reactions of the public, a similar draft law has been re-brought to the agenda almost six months later despite the reactions of many institutions and circles. It is not possible to ignore this attitude. Of course, there are many aspects of the higher education system that should be changed. What is essential here is to 'increase education capacity of a society aiming to reach the level of contemporary civilizations, and to ensure the balance between education and employment.' These changes should be made within the scope of scientific concepts and by taking education system, the principles of which is set by the Constitution and laws, as a whole,'' the statement said.
The statement went on saying, ''views and attitude of TSK about principles of the Republic particularly the principle of 'democratic, secular and social state of law' are the same today with its yesterday's views. And, they will be the same tomorrow. Nobody should have doubts about this view and attitude of TSK.''
''Turkish Armed Forces believes that concerned institutions will approach this draft law, which is obvious to cause unnecessary but serious problems in a period when Turkey is dealing with very sensitive issues, carefully and with common sense and our sublime parliament will show the necessary sensitivity about this issue,'' the statement added.
Meanwhile, Turkish Parliamentary National Education Commission adopted the draft law.
The draft law decreases the members of Higher Education Board from 22 to 16.
Under the draft, the Chairman of the Higher Education Board will be elected by the members of the board.
The draft law lifts difference in coefficient between normal and vocational high schools in university entrance exam.
In accordance with the draft, university entrance exam will be prepared, regarding whole secondary school curriculum.
Under the draft, YOK Chairman's and its members' term in office will end when the new law enters into force.
In accordance with the law, the head of the student board will be a member of the University Senate and can vote during election of the rector.
(BRC-AÖ) 06.05.2004