Gen. Yalman:Parliament Gave Marshal Rank to Ataturk

He said that he was upset by the statements of AKP Deputy Kutlu, who “even cannot tolerate a picture of Great Ataturk, the founder of Parliament, in a Marshal uniform and who was disturbed by even prayers and marches of troops charged with the security of Parliament. It should not be forgotten that it was Parliament that granted the rank of Marshal to Ataturk.”

Another issue, which disturbed Gen. Yalman was the fact that Muhsin Yazicioglu, the Chairman of the Grand Unity Party (BBP), kissed the beard of Preacher Mahmut “Hodja” Ustaosmanoglu, as a reflection of respect and allegiance, in a funeral. Gen. Yalman said that kissing the beard of a community leader had nothing to do with Islam. Yalman added, “One thing should be known that, in spite of all these unfortunate remarks and actions, the basic premises of the Republic and principles and reforms of Ataturk will be defended and maintained forever.”