ANKARA Ñ Two generals have resigned from the Turkish Air Force in
a development could be linked to the major ongoing investigation of a coup plot against the
government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan.
Members of Turkey's powerful military have resisted the pro-Islamist moves by the Erdogan government as contrary to the state's secular constitution.
The two generals, who held key posts in the military, submitted their
resignations in May 2009, Middle East Newsline reported. No explanation was given for either resignation.
"The resignations were unexpected, and it will take time to fill their
positions on a permanent basis," a Turkish source said.
The generals were identified as Maj. Gen. Sinan Sanli, commander of the
Air Force College, and Maj. Gen. Levent Turkmen, deputy commander of the air
force's tactical forces. The air force has been regarded as the most
influential wing of Turkey's military.
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Sanli had been appointed commander of the air force school during the
annual round of military appointments in August 2008.
The sources said Sanli
was pressured by the air force to resign amid the investigation into the
alleged coup plot, which has resulted in the arrest and indictment of scores
of current and former military and security officers.
Turkmen was responsible for Turkish Air Force operations and exercises
over the disputed Aegean Sea. Greek and Turkish F-16 multi-role aircraft
have been engaged in frequent mock dogfights in the area.
The Turkish military has not announced the resignations. The Turkish
daily Hurriyet said the two general have not yet been replaced.
