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### Viewing cable 07ANKARA1258, TURKEY'S MILITARY AND DEMOCRACY

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Reference ID | Date | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | ---
07ANKARA1258 | 2007-05-23 14:02 | SECRET | Embassy Ankara

`

    VZCZCXYZ0001
    OO RUEHWEB

    DE RUEHAK #1258 1431422
    ZNY SSSSS ZZH
    O 231422Z MAY 07
    FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2242
    INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE
    RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC//USDP:PDUSDP/ISA:EUR/ISA:NESA/DSCA//
    RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
    RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC
    RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
    RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J-3/J-5//

` `

    S E C R E T ANKARA 001258

    SIPDIS

    SIPDIS

    E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2022
    TAGS: PGOV PREL TU
    SUBJECT: TURKEY'S MILITARY AND DEMOCRACY

    Classified By: DCM Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

    ¶1.  (S)  The Turkish military's April 27 memorandum that
    fueled the political crisis here was followed by a virtual
    black-out with the military refusing to speak with either
    domestic or foreign contacts.  The silence was broken
    recently when D/CHOD Saygun volunteered an explanation of the
    military's motives and current thinking.  We used the
    exchange to reiterate the need for pragmatism and compromise
    -- by all players -- in support of Turkish democracy and the
    constitutional process.

    ¶2.  (S)  In a recent meeting with DCM, Saygun raised the
    subject of Turkish domestic politics and said it was
    important we understand why the military felt compelled to
    make its April 27 statement.  He said the military spoke out
    solely to ensure the protection of Turkey's secular system.
    This is the principle responsibility of the Turkish military,
    which they are both obligated and determined to fulfill.  He
    asserted that Turkey's constitution empowered the military to
    protect the secular state -- that was what they had done and
    what they would continue to do.

    ¶3.  (S)  DCM responded by emphasizing the most precious
    quality of contemporary Turkey is that it is both secular and
    democratic -- and both must be preserved.  She noted the
    growing tensions and polarization throughout the country and
    urged that the military exercise caution and pragmatism.
    Avoiding confrontation and instability and ensuring that the
    political process proceeds in a way that is fully consistent
    with the constitution is in the best interest of Turkey and
    of all Turks regardless of their partisan affiliation.

    ¶4.  (S)  Saygun said that the military did not want
    confrontation and would not seek it out.  He claimed they
    easily could have sent tanks rolling in the streets if they
    had wanted to, but they did not.  He also argued that the
    military was far more concerned with stability -- political,
    economic, and social -- than the AKP which had made no effort
    to compromise.

    ¶5.  (S)  DCM underscored the importance of having the
    on-going parliamentary election proceed calmly and that all
    accept the results of the popular vote.  Saygun agreed
    enthusiastically and claimed the TGS had "no problems" with
    AKP in parliament or in government -- their only difficulty
    was with radical policies that threaten stability.

    ¶6.  (S)  Comment:  There is rampant speculation here about
    TGS' next move in the on-going political drama.  Overheated
    rumors include efforts to shut down the AKP, discredit the
    party leadership by releasing incriminating dossiers, and the
    manufacture of crises.  More prudent observers have suggested
    that a tacit -- if still tense -- understanding has been
    reached whereby the TGS has clarified its red lines on the
    presidency and Islamist policies and the AKP has agreed not
    to cross them.  Rumors notwithstanding, it is clear that
    maneuvering will intensify in the lead up to the July 22
    elections, and USG support for democracy, compromise, and the
    constitutional process will remain critical.

    Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
    http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/

    WILSON

`