Brussels, 06/08/2004 (Agence Europe) - It is expected that the Turkish Prime Minister will very soon nominate a civilian to the head of the National Security Council (CSN), in response to the oft-repeated request made by the European Institutions. One year ago, in April 2003, the Turkish Parliament had approved the government's proposal to reduce the considerable political weight of the military, making the CSN an advisory body without executive powers. After the appointment of the CSN secretary general to another post on Thursday 5 August, two diplomats, Umit Pamir, Permanent Representative for Turkey with the United Nations, and Osman Koruturk, Special Representative for Turkey in Iraq, are the two most likely candidates for CSN directorship, according to The Financial Times. The change in leadership foreseen at the CSN comes after new appointments were made on Thursday within the high military authority. General Yasar Buyukanit was appointed to the head of the Army, which makes him a well-placed candidate for taking over from General Hilmi Ozkok in two years' time as Turkey's Chief of Staff. Both are considered to be moderate, supporters of Turkey's membership to the European Union.