Baykal Welcomes Decision To Shorten Military Service

ANKARA - Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said on Tuesday about decision of the General Staff to shorten military service, ''this is a good decision befitting the Turkish Armed Forces. The decision reflects a serious understanding. We welcome it.''
Speaking at the parliamentary group meeting of the CHP, Baykal stressed, ''the General Staff assessed problems Turkey has been facing and developments in threats against Turkey. As a result of this assessment, the General Staff decided to shorten military service.''
''This development will lead a decrease in number of soldiers in the Turkish Armed Forces. I believe that the decision will be put into practice without damaging Turkey's security. Settlement of security in our region, spread of peace and formation of a peaceful atmosphere in our region will decrease heavy burden on Turkey by reducing defense expenditures,'' he added.
(UK-AÖ) 24.06.2003