Turkey Appoints No. 2 General to Replace Army Chief Who Quit

The commander of Turkey’s land forces was appointed chief of the general staff Tuesday to replace a general who resigned because he differs with President Turgut Ozal over Persian Gulf policy.

Prime Minister Yildirim Akbulut announced the appointment of Gen. Dogan Gures to succeed Gen. Necip Torumtay, who resigned Monday.

The appointment was in accordance with military tradition, since Gures was the second-highest-ranking army general after Torumtay. However, it may not solve Ozal’s problems. Sources said Gures shares Torumtay’s view that Turkey should refrain from an active role in any possible war to force Iraq out of Kuwait.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Gures is also uncompromising in his opposition to Islamic fundamentalism in this predominantly Muslim but secular country.

Analysts say Torumtay’s resignation was an indication of the army’s dissatisfaction with what is viewed as the Ozal government’s encouragement of Islamic fundamentalist groups.

Torumtay was the third senior official to resign in three months. Defense Minister Safa Giray and Foreign Minister Ali Bozer both resigned in October, the latter reportedly because he differed with Ozal over gulf policy.

Foreign Ministry and defense officials are said to feel that Ozal is dragging Turkey into war with Iraq in his enthusiasm to join the Western coalition grouped against Saddam Hussein.