Regarding the request for the expulsion of the lieutenants, Bahçeli: I respect the decision of the Ministry.

Four lieutenants were referred to disciplinary action with a request for dismissal from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) regarding the sword oath ceremony at the graduation ceremony of the Military Academy. While the repercussions of the incident continue, a striking statement came from sources within the Ministry of National Defense. In the statement regarding the lieutenants' sword oath, it was stated, "The relevant personnel have been referred to the High Disciplinary Board. The issue is not the text read, but the failure to comply with the order. They have opened the TSK to discussion and damaged its reputation."

"I RESPECT THE MINISTRY'S DECISION"

Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), was asked about his views on the matter after his party's group meeting. Bahçeli stated regarding the request for the dismissal of the lieutenants after their sword oath, "We should not be eager to stir up Turkey without knowing or understanding anything beyond the evaluations put forth by the Ministry of National Defense. I respect the Ministry of National Defense's decision," he said.