Gul lacking support of Turkish military

ANKARA, Turkey, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- The rift between Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his nation's military grew this week when military leaders announced they would not attend two receptions.

With military leaders saying they would be unable to attend presidential receptions in Ankara on Wednesday and Thursday, The New Anatolian said it represented a growing conflict between the two federal sides.

Tensions between Gul and top military leaders were high from the start of his presidency, but had since improved during a series of Victory Day celebrations.

Yet despite the apparent improved relations between the two, Chief of Staff General Yasar Buyukanit and his force commanders informed Gul earlier this week they would be outside Ankara during the ceremonies.

The military leaders said that they would be inspecting military units outside the nation's capital when the receptions took place and would send several junior commanders in their stead.