Admiral resigns just as promotion loomed
Güncelleme Tarihi:
ISTANBUL - An admiral has submitted his resignation in a surprise move this week, just a month before he was expected to be promoted, daily Hürriyet reported Friday.
Adm. Mustafa Baha Eren, the commander of the Navy’s Evaluation and Auditing Division, has resigned from his post, the paper reported.
Eren was among the candidates for the top Navy position. His resignation came just after his harsh remarks on politics started to circulate on the Web and is reminiscent of a case when two generals were forced to resign from the Air Force, citing private reasons, Hürriyet wrote.
According to the paper, some unconfirmed reports suggest Eren had ties with Navy Col. Dursun Çiçek, who was accused of preparing a controversial document aimed at finishing off the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, and a religious sect led by Fethullah Gülen. It was reported last week that many within the military hierarchy believe the document was prepared by civilians and is an attempt to tarnish the military's image.
Eren was expected to be promoted during this year’s Supreme Military Council, or YAŞ, meeting in August. Headed by the president, the council consists of top military commanders and government officials and its meetings address military promotions and expulsions. YAŞ meets twice a year.
Eren had only one rank left to reach the top rank in the military.
The top position in the Turkish Armed Forces is usally occupied for a two-year term.