General Isık Kosaner was appointed as the new chief of the Turkish General Staff, while Genreral. Erdal Ceylanoglu - as the new commander of the Land Forces, Milliyet reported.

The nomination of commander of the Land Forces caused controversy between the Turkish authorities and the military. The military officials nominated Hasan Igsiz but Prime Recep Tayyip Erdogan refused to sign off on Igsız’s appointment, Hurriyet Daily News reported.  Meanwhile, the government’s favored General Atila Isik said he would retire, stressing his move was not conditioned by any pressure.

A new chief of the Turkish General Staff is known for his pro-Azerbaijan stance and activities directed on reinforcement of the Azerbaijani armed forces. He also supported training of the Azerbaijani soldiers in Turkey.