"Arrest on 12 generals," daily TURKIYE said over a fourth wave of arrests in an ongoing probe on what has publicly come to be known as "the post-modern military coup," which forced in 1997 the government to resign. The daily said, retired general Cetin Saner, the then head of the General Staff's intelligence office who has reportedly intimidated interior ministry at the time, were among the arrested, six of which are still on active duty. In related news, daily HURRIYET quoted Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as telling his uneasiness on what he said "the prolonged investigation."

"First wave, second wave, third wave and the fourth wave and so on ... These disturb people and us too. Necessary steps should be taken promptly because these waves can drown the country," daily quoted Erdogan as saying.      

"Presidential system up to people," daily VATAN headlined on remarks by Turkish prime minister who said that the final decision on possible introduction of presidential system would be made by people. "It is not an absolute must for us. Presidential system of the semi-presidential system can be discussed in the writing of a new constitution," the daily quoted Erdogan as telling reporters.      

Daily VATAN said chief of the Turkish Military Staff, Gen. Necdet Ozel, discussed NATO's "Smart Defense System" during a meeting in United States with his American counterpart Gen. Martin Dempsey ahead of a May 21 summit meeting of the Alliance.

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