When the photocopy of the army plot was first published in June, Başbuğ downplayed it terming “a piece of paper,” but still vowed that he would take the necessary action if it turns out to be authentic. Now, Başbuğ who would perhaps announce his resignation if this incident had taken in a truly democratic country, is expected to take the steps that will cast a bright light over the case and clear the shadow over the democratic credentials of the TSK.Bugün’s Erhan Başyurt thinks Turkish democracy is giving yet another test of whether it is ruled by law with the discovery of the original copy of the army plot to undermine the AK Party and Gülen movement in the eyes of the public. He says those who wage a war against the public will, should certainly be brought to justice and it is a debt of honor for Başbuğ who earlier said: “The TSK is committed and respectful to the principles of democracy and state of law. Those who act opposite to these principles, cannot have a place within the ranks of the TSK,” to give support to the investigation into the army plot and not allow those who prepared the plot to remain in the TSK ranks. “As the chief commander, he made a promise to the public by looking into their eyes. A promise which is not kept cannot be a soldier’ s promise,” says Başyurt.
Milliyet’s Fikret Bila has full confidence in Başbuğ’s promise that he would take the necessary action if the document turns out to be authentic. “Başbuğ will keep the promise he gave to the public without any hesitation. He will act in line with laws and pave the way for the punishment of those who prepared the plot,” says Bila.
According to Yeni Şafak’s Ali Bayramoğlu, if such a “scandal” had taken place in a country were there is real rule of law, the prime minister of that country would immediately remove the chief of general staff of that country from his post. “One day Turkey will see this. At this point, many people think about the resignation of the chief of general staff and find it to be a legitimate move. Coup attempts and moves to interfere in politics no longer carry any legitimacy. This can be called the deepening of democracy. Turkey is about to turn a new page for becoming a civil country and break of the military tutelage regime,” says Bayramoğlu.
