The statement, signed by 104 former senior naval officials, provoked a backlash from authorities who saw it as a direct challenge from the military to the civilian government. Four other suspects were called to report to police within three days as part of an investigation into the statement.
Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Cullen insisted the statement bore the hallmarks of a military plot to overthrow the government. “A group of retired soldiers are putting themselves in a ridiculous and miserable situation with a statement that echoes the times of the military coup,” he stressed. The Montreux Convention, signed in 1936, governs the use of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles by cargo ships from other countries. It gives Turkey control over the straits within its borders and guarantees peacetime access to civilian ships.
It also restricts access to warships. Turkey plans to build a huge canal connecting the Black Sea north of Istanbul to the Sea of Marmara to the south, which a Turkish envoy said would not be covered by the convention.
“Montreux gave Turkey the opportunity to maintain its neutrality during World War II. We believe that it is necessary to avoid any statements and actions that could lead to a discussion of the Montreux Convention, an important treaty in terms of the survival of Turkey, “said a statement from retired military personnel. The admirals are suspected of plotting against state security and constitutional order, the Haberturk news site reported.
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