Başbuğ has become the center of criticism in both military and civilian circles after a recording was released on a Web site featuring the top commander making an address before a group of military personnel during which he said nobody but himself gave orders to the two officers detained in December last year as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç. In the recording, Başbuğ also adamantly stated that the following search of the Special Forces Command's Tactical Mobilization Unit in Ankara by a judge and prosecutor could not have happened if he had not allowed it.
The authenticity of the recording was confirmed by the General Staff through its Web site following its exposure. Stressing that Başbuğ’s words comply neither with the law nor with professional ethics, retired officers of various ranks called for Başbuğ’s immediate resignation from his post to avoid any further damage to the military’s reputation. The coalition group, on the other hand, organized a mass protest in İstanbul during which participants carried posters which read “You cannot stage a coup.” Opposition parties also commented on Başbuğ’s words. Mehmet Şandır, the Nationalist Movement Party’s (MHP) parliamentary group deputy chairman, said the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) should not position itself above politics and political will. Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, however, was content to say, “Let’s talk it later.”
Kemal Şahin, a retired gendarmerie major, was one of those asking for Başbuğ’s dismissal. “This is too much, really! It would be good for the chief of staff to resign immediately for the sake of humanity, democracy and the rule of law. Such a statement means accepting the [existence of the] assassination plot against Arınç. Although the General Staff has expressed its commitment to democracy at every possible opportunity, it is understood that they are talking to their own personnel differently than they do to public,” he stated. Retired Lt. Col. Tevfik Diker joined Şahin in calling on Başbuğ to resign. “If I was him, I would not occupy that post another second, I’d resign. In no modern democracy could a chief of staff give such an order. No statement of his now can ease the public’s discomfort. I believe he is damaging the TSK’s image. I entreat and advise him to resign if he wants to be free of the liability in the eyes of public,” he said.
While retired Maj. Mustafa Hacımustafaoğulları drew attention to the fact that no development could happen outside the TSK’s command structure, Faik Tarımcıoğlu, a retired military judge, said Başbuğ’s remarks should not have come out of a commander’s mouth. “Nothing happens in the TSK without the knowledge of the command. They [commanders] were denying the allegations in the past but this time they are too obvious to be repudiated. This is no longer something that can be kept under cover. The General Staff tried to portray itself as democratic but it just did not work. Now the best thing to do is to resign,” said Hacımustafaoğulları.
Retired Brig. Gen. Adnan Tanrıverdi also touched upon the unlawfulness of Başbuğ’s remarks. “It is clearly seen that the content of the uncovered speech does not conform to the law. Everybody, including the TSK staff, is equal before the law in this country. That the General Staff accepts the rule of law and stays away from committing crimes, just like everyone else should do, is our sole desire now,” he stated.
In the meantime, members of 70 Million Steps Against Coups have released a statement on their Web site and vowed not to leave the country in the hands of coup lovers again. The NGO will organize another protest on the anniversary of Feb. 28, 1997 coup, also known as the postmodern coup -- in which the government of the time was forced to step down -- in İstanbul in order to keep the memories of really happened before, during and after that military intervention alive.
