Aegean Army

The western province of İzmir marked the 102nd anniversary of its liberation from occupation on Sept. 9 with a series of events across the city.

Celebrations began with a grand parade, known as the "Victory March," which saw thousands of İzmir residents gather early at Anafartalar Street.

Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay, speaking on a visit to Turkish-occupied Cyprus, threatened that Ankara will dispute sovereignty over Greece's Aegean islands if Athens does not swiftly demilitarise them, removing all defences.

By George Gilson

The multifaceted, Greece-France defence agreement - especially the provision regarding military assistance in the event of a hostile attack on our territory - has provoked a host of reactions and disputes domestically and abroad.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has completed an investigation into an intelligence network by the Gülen Movement, under the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, within the police which wiretapped and placed secret cameras at the residences of a number of victims between 2008 and 2012.

President Abdullah Gül will chair a meeting of the National Security Council (MGK) for the last time when it gathers on Aug. 13.

The Supreme Military Board (YAŞ) concluded its annual meetings a day before its schedule and appointed the current commander of the Aegean Army in İzmir, Gen. Abdullah Atay, as the new commander for the Gendarmerie Forces.