Turkish Parliament approves change in Article 35 of TSK Internal Service Act

Turkish Parliament approved change in Article 35 of Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) Internal Service Act, which had long served as coup pretext to justify past juntas. Article 35 which says “TSK is responsible for protecting the Turkish land and the Republic of Turkey as defined in the constitution," was replaced with the new version which says, "TSK is responsible for protecting the Turkish land against external dangers and threats, ensuring the protection and strengthening of the army forces in a deterring way, performing the duties abroad as assigned by Turkish Parliament, and helping to provide international peace." President Abdullah Gul had previously said the law "should be amended in a way that would prevent any misunderstandings and exploitation that might take place in the future."