LEFKOSA - Land Forces Staff Chairman General Ilker Basbug said that Turkish Republic and Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) had always been beside all officials of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and especially TRNC President Rauf Denktas for settlement of fair and lasting peace in Cyprus so far and added that they would continue to be beside them for their struggle.
Basbug who came to TRNC to attend July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations departed from TRNC on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Basbug said that they believed that a fair and lasting peace would bring prosperity and confidence to Turkish Cypriot people.
Basbug said that he considered the future of Cyprus ''good and promising'' and thanked all officials especially Denktas, TRNC Parliament Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.
Gen. Basbug added that he was returning to Turkey with hope stemming from excitement and determination of Turkish Cypriot people at the 29th anniversary of Peace Operation.
Serter said that Basbug's visit to TRNC during July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations boosted morale of Turkish Cypriot people.
(EÖ-AÖ) 22.07.2003