Even more importantly, it was stated that the ongoing Ergenekon trial was “an opportunity for Turkey to strengthen confidence in the proper functioning of its democratic institutions and the rule of law,” adding that Başbuğ had “made comments on the Ergenekon case and on the indictment, thus putting the judiciary under pressure.”So this means that everyone can see the error that we’ve been observing. But Mr. Başbuğ, without accepting the essence of the matter, always asks first, “Where did the leak come from?” I beg your pardon, but if a murder is taking place somewhere, which question is more important -- “Who ratted on the murderer?” or “How is it that such fearless murders can be committed in front of so many people?
I would like to ask five questions related to the messages that Gen. Başbuğ tried to send through certain newspapers.
1. Third Army Commander Gen. Saldıray Berk is currently the “number-one suspect” as the Ergenekon terrorist organization’s alleged Erzincan head. Does it not pressure the judiciary for you to say, “We are behind him; we believe without a doubt that he’s innocent”? Does this approach of yours not contradict your constant statement that “we are respectful of the judiciary”? If there is indeed a contradiction, how can you explain this?
2. You said with regard to the Sledgehammer action plan that “this is a very serious incident for us.” We grew hopeful, thinking, “Finally, something to be taken seriously.” But you described what precisely it was that you were taking seriously as follows: “That is to say, not the event itself, but the effect upon the Turkish Armed Forces [TSK] and its ensuing result is very serious.” You mean to say that the detailed and horrifying preparations for a coup d’état detailed in the plan aren’t that important, but what is important are the people who you describe as “comrades-in-arms, whether active duty or retired,” who are being taken into custody, is that so?
3. With regards to the truck carrying 958 hand grenades in Ankara, you said, “It’s of significance to me that those receiving the tip did not inform us.” When we first read this, we said, “Yes, Mr. Başbuğ is definitely right on this one.” And your remark that “such behavior damages the feeling of mutual trust between institutions and creates unnecessary tension in society” is right on the mark. However, there’s one more phrase that you slipped in between these long remarks of yours. The relevant directive apparently also requires that the Governor’s Offices of Denizli and Afyon also be informed. However, you say this didn’t happen, you say, “Our [people] are for a reason unable to relay [certain information] to civilian and local security divisions.” And this is the most crucial point of the entire matter. This is the source of the lack of trust between institutions. For had you given such notice, would the tip had been taken seriously? Also, what does “for a reason” mean? What kind of reason? Can you explain this reason to us?
4. Mr. Başbuğ, you meet with Mr. President [Abdullah Gül] and Mr. Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip Erdoğan] every week. Indeed, the latest such trilateral meeting was on Feb. 25 at the Çankaya presidential palace. And this strengthened society’s faith in the state, even if only relatively speaking. We thought that this was a manifestation of a “common mind” entering into operation. But despite this, you are continuing to call journalists up and, as if these topics weren’t discussed at all during those meetings, send messages through the media. In your opinion, does this attitude jive with the concept of statesmanship?
5. You say: When you open a judicial investigation, the authority and responsibility lie with the military prosecutor. There is no question over anyone interfering with the work being done by military prosecutors. I think that this is important. Look, don’t use the term headquarters. The one with authority is the Military Prosecutor’s Office; this is not the business of the General Staff. But right after that, you say “my military prosecutor.” Should I take this as a slip of the tongue?
