Second vice president might be appointed, says Erdogan

By Mumin Altas and Sinan Uslu

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he might appoint the second vice president.

Erdogan's remarks came when he was speaking to reporters after his official visit to Azerbaijan and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

On Monday, Erdogan appointed Fuat Aksoy as first vice president after taking the presidential oath to become the Republic of Turkey's first president under its new government system.

"We now have appointed a vice president, but if needed, I might appoint a second vice president. Let's proceed and see where we lack and where we don’t," Erdogan said.

When asked about appointment of Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, who was previously the chief of general staff, Erdogan pointed to 2014 European Union acquis, which requires the General Staff and Defense Ministry to be merged.

"An approach like 'civilian-soldier' has been left behind. The relations between the National Defense Ministry and the Turkish Armed Forces will be much more solidarist, which, I believe, will prevent disruptions in the decision-making process."

By Mumin Altas and Sinan Uslu

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he might appoint the second vice president.

Erdogan's remarks came when he was speaking to reporters after his official visit to Azerbaijan and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

On Monday, Erdogan appointed Fuat Aksoy as first vice president after taking the presidential oath to become the Republic of Turkey's first president under its new government system.

"We now have appointed a vice president, but if needed, I might appoint a second vice president. Let's proceed and see where we lack and where we don’t," Erdogan said.