TV: New Turkish ground forces commander appointed

Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday approved the appointment of General Necdet Ozel as the new commander of Turkey's ground forces, TV channels reported after the top four commanders said they were taking retirement.

Ozel was subsequently expected to be appointed the chief of the General Staff in place of the retiring General Isik Kosaner. Tradition dictates that only the ground forces chief can take over the armed forces. (Reuters)