The Turkish military, which carried out three coups since the 1960s, wields significant clout in politics and plays a key role in determining government policy through the National Security Council (MGK), which brings together top commanders and the civilian leadership.

As part of EU-linked refoms currently being drawn up, the government wants to decrease the number of generals in the council, which already has more civilian than military members but is still dominated by the army's top brass, the daily Aksam newspaper reported.

The liberal Milliyet daily said the government also wanted civilians to be allowed to take on the job of MGK secretary general.

At present, only top generals can become secretary-general of the MGK, a job which allows them to play a key role in drafting security policies and following up on council recommendations.

A third reform involves increasing the civilian administration's role in determining the army's budget, which is currently drawn up solely by the military.

However, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) may find it difficult to implement these reforms.

The party describes itself as a conservative movement, but is viewed with suspicion by the secular elite and the army for its Islamist roots. No date was given for when such reforms might be brought to parliament.

The liberal Radikal daily said the government remained unsure as to how to handle the reforms.

Curbing the military's influence is a key EU demand for Turkey to be allowed to join the pan-European bloc.

The EU has said that Ankara must overhaul its crippled democracy and rights record before December 2004, when EU leaders will decide whether to sit down at the negotiating table with the mainly Muslim country.

WAR.WIRE