ISTANBUL, Turkey, Aug 17, SPA -- Turkish leaders on Tuesdayappointed the first civilian to oversee the country'sinfluential security council. The appointment of Mehmet Yigit Alpogan assecretary-general of Turkey's powerful National SecurityCouncil was also in line with reforms necessary for joiningthe European Union. The appointment of Alpogan, who has served as Turkey'sambassador to Greece, went into effect Tuesday after it waspublished in Turkey's Official Gazette.--SPA1412 Local Time 1112 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/192682