Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
Body:
Approved for Release: 2024/03/18 C05903582
Director of
0
cret
Central
(b)(3)
Intelligence
Tuesday
14 October 1980
,(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2024/03/18 C05903582
Approved for Release: 2024/03/18 CO5903582
BRIEFS AND COMMENTS
TURKEY: Status Report
One month after the coup, the chances are good that the military
will move ahead on its stated goals of constitutional reforms and
restoration of civilian rule.
They are now working on .a provisional constitution
that will spell out duties and powers for themselves and
for the next civilian government. The generals will be-
gin work later on a permanent constitution that will
strengthen the presidency, create a stronger two-party
system, impose limits on ethnic and religious associa-
tions, and provide for sweeping educational reforms.
The commanders this weekend demonstrated both their
growing confidence and their commitment to existing le-
galities by freeing former Prime Ministers Demirel and
Ecevit. They have also levied formal charges against
National Salvation Party leader Erbakan and nine of his
deputies an ightist Turkes and 16 of his
followers.
The new regime's first priority has been to control
violence. Strengthened martial law powers allowed the
military to round up more than 5,000 extremists so far,
and the National Security Council--which serves as in-
terim executive and legislative branches--has upheld the
death sentences of four terrorists.
The commanders have honored their pledge to continue
the previous government's austerity program. West Germany
and other members of the Organization for Economic Co-
operation and Development as well as international in-
stitutions appear willing to continue their aid
despite reservations about the military regime.
The generals have pursued a pro-NATO and pro-Western
foreign policy while seeking to maintain ties with their
neighbors. They have favored the resumption and continu-
ation of Cypriot intercommunal talks and seem somewhat
flexible on the issue of Greek reintegration into NATO.
In addition, they have spnhttoremain neutral in the
Iraqi-Iranian conflict.
The military leaders know that prolonging their
hold will diminish their popularity at home and the toler-
ance of governments abroad, on whom they depend for sub-
stantial aid.
5
14 October 1980
777777- (b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2024/03/18 C05903582