However, despite widespread public expectations, the General Staff has not made an explanation in relation to two Turkish generals’ participation in the meeting. However the identities of the Turkish participants are almost as horrifying as the scenarios discussed at the notorious meeting. Is it not strange enough that the generals -- the chairman of the Strategic Research and Study Center (SAREM) affiliated with the Turkish General Staff, and the military attaché of the Turkish Embassy in Washington -- were willing to take part in the meeting attended by Kubat Talabani, son of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and other American experts?
Is not this picture something that raises questions on what strategic considerations the two Turkish generals have in common with the Americans and the Iraqi Kurds? And if, as noted by Yeni Şafak columnist Fehmi Koru, the meeting was held upon the request of SAREM, does not the situation become graver? Is not the General Staff obligated to make a statement given that one of the Turkish participants reportedly preferred the weakening of the AK Party over the elimination of the PKK?
This anticipation was voiced by Parliament Speaker Bülent Arınç as well as former Constitutional Court Chairwoman Tülay Tuğcu, whose assassination was discussed as part of the scenario. The point I would like to underline is a little bit different though; that Parliament, the representative of the popular will, has a duty to review and investigate aside from legislation. For this reason Arınç’s responsibility should not be limited to expressing his expectation of an explanation from the General Staff. An investigatory commission should be appointed immediately to effectively address the matter. The upcoming elections should not be considered an obstacle for the fulfillment of this parliamentary duty.
Another suspicious case was once more publicized on “Deşifre” (decipher), aired by Star TV last night. The case is about the alleged suicides of three engineers at ASELSAN, the Turkish defense industry’s most important establishment. The successful pasts of the engineers raised doubts as to whether they actually committed suicide; back then the doubts were not adequately addressed by the Turkish press.
On Aug. 7, 2006, mechanical engineer Hüseyin Başbilen, 31, known for his contributions to important projects at ASELSAN, was found dead inside a car. Serious injuries and cuts were identified on the left wrist and neck of the successful ODTÜ (Middle East Technical University) graduate. The autopsy report concluded he committed suicide. But how he cut his left wrist and neck was not questioned. Furthermore there is no plausible explanation for the farewell note that appeared on his computer screen at the workplace where he did not go that day.
The second alleged suicide took place on Jan. 17, 2007 in Gölbaşı, Ankara. Electrical engineer Ali Ünsem Ünal, 30, an ODTÜ graduate who worked for ASELSAN, committed suicide with a gun. His family and friends simply ruled out the possibility that such a lively and ambitious person could take his own life. However the case was labeled a suicide and subsequently closed.
The third suicide took place just 10 days after the second in Batıkent, Ankara. Electrical engineer Evrim Yançeken, 26, also an ODTÜ graduate who had worked for ASELSAN for two years, committed suicide in his home. He allegedly ended his life due to depression in connection with his postgraduate studies. However his relatives dismissed the allegations because they found the suicide of a person like Yançeken, who was well educated and had a well-paying job, over a master’s thesis very unlikely.
Considering the salience of ASELSAN for our defense industry and the country’s dependence on external actors in defense technologies, it is hard to believe that the death of these engineers was due to suicide. The matter deserves a thorough investigation, which will have to be carried out by special commissions appointed by Parliament. Such a determinative action is necessary, since the deaths may involve the answers as to why we still remain dependent on foreign powers in the defense industry field.
In addition to its duties regarding legislation, Parliament is also obliged to make thorough investigations and reviews when necessary, and this obligation cannot be ignored.
