Legislative proposal in the Grand National Assembly: Retired commanders to inform the TSK before broadcasts

AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Güler stated at a press conference held at the TBMM that they have submitted the 'Draft Law on Amendments to the TSK Personnel Law and Certain Other Laws,' consisting of 60 articles, to the Speaker of the Parliament.

Güler stated that the draft law contains important regulations regarding the internal functioning of the TSK, saying, "Our Ministry of National Defense and each of our security units represent a state tradition and discipline spanning centuries, as well as a set of rules where every detail has been considered to leave no room for even the slightest disruption. Like an ancient plane tree, these institutions stand firmly on the ground with their roots, yet they continue to maintain their dynamism and vitality like a sapling that constantly renews itself according to new situations and needs arising with changing times and environments. The geography we live in and the global tensions that pit countries against each other make every regulation that our institutions need vital, even if it might seem like a detail to the Ministry of National Defense. With this draft law, each article establishes the legal basis for the Turkish Armed Forces in areas where it is needed, with regulations that are extremely important for its internal functioning."

Regarding the regulations in the proposal, Güler said, "This proposal includes the legal regulation of the reasons for contract termination and the sanctions to be applied for specialized sergeants, privates, and contract privates serving in the staff and organizations of the Ministry of National Defense, primarily in cases of failure in duty, inability to adapt, or inability to be utilized. Furthermore, it aims to determine the procedures and principles regarding the recruitment of inspectors from military sources, as well as the qualifications to be sought in candidates, by law. On the other hand, it is intended to ensure that the General Directorate of Mapping can continue to meet institutional needs by allowing the revenue from the provision of goods and services to be recorded as special appropriations in the relevant budget line. Regulations regarding the use of other special revenues obtained by the Ministry of National Defense with the decision of our President; and the opening of a path for courts to review disciplinary punishments in cases where warnings, reprimands, partial continuation of service, and disciplinary punishments form the basis for termination of employment are also included. Additionally, new regulations are being introduced regarding the monthly salaries paid to contract privates and sergeants serving in the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade Command, who work in risky and difficult conditions. Furthermore, it is aimed to fill the gap created by the Constitutional Court's cancellation of the law regarding real estate actually allocated to public services by public legal entities or institutions numbered 221, through this new regulation."

'INCLUDES HARMONIZATION REGULATIONS'

Noting that the articles of the proposal were prepared in detail to avoid cancellation by the Constitutional Court (AYM), Güler said, "On the other hand, this draft law also includes provisions regarding the determination of the authorities authorized to grant permission for investigations into alleged military crimes committed by the Chief of General Staff, Force Commanders of the Land, Naval, and Air Forces, as well as generals and admirals, based on their final ranks and duties; and the payment of reserve personnel—including workers, the unemployed, employers, self-employed individuals, and freelancers—who participate in mobilization exercises and individual mobilization training without receiving any payment. The payment of retirement pensions to personnel who were retired due to lack of positions by the decision of the Supreme Military Council and could not be granted a pension due to age requirements has also been re-regulated and included in the proposal. Additionally, harmonization regulations within the scope of changes in the organizational structure of our Ministry of National Defense are also included in this draft law."

'RETIRED COMMANDERS TO INFORM THE TSK BEFORE BROADCASTS'

Responding to questions from members of the press afterward, Güler said, "The matter of providing information is regulated here. Of course, there is no regulation regarding permits or other sanctions. The aim is to provide information to a relevant commander regarding what you will speak about in these matters, so that, in light of different information, at least no suspicion or different perception and information is formed regarding the Turkish Armed Forces and our Ministry of National Defense. It will be reminded that someone who has retired from this institution and has served within the discipline and hierarchical integrity of the institution should be careful."