Turkey's army command pledges 'commitment to democracy'

ANKARA

The Turkish General Staff on Thursday pledged its commitment to democracy and dismissed reports of the formation of any extra-hierarchical mechanisms within the military.

In a statement, the army said it has always expressed its commitment to democracy, and its legal and administrative mechanisms are "continuous and active" within the Turkish Armed Forces, known by the Turkish initials TSK.

The statement came in response to "news and comments in some media organs," and it said it had filed a criminal complaint against them.

"It is out of the question to make concessions to any illegal formation and/or movement outside of the command hierarchy," said the statement.

The army said it has been fighting terrorists at home and abroad in line with its tasks laid out in the Constitution and laws for the unity and security of the country and its nationals.

It said the "baseless" reports and comments in some media organs "annoyed and impacted the morale and motivation of the soldiers," and continued:

"Discipline, absolute obedience, and the supremacy of command are basic in the Turkish Armed Forces".

The army called the news reports and comments contrary to press ethics and said they lacked any legal, humanitarian, conscientious, or rational basis.