Ozkok: Changes And Developments In The World And Lessons Taken From Iraq War Reveal That We Have To Further Develop Current Capabilities Of T.S.K.

GOLCUK - General Staff Chief General Hilmi Ozkok said on Thursday, ''changes and developments in the world and lessons taken from the Iraq war reveal that we have to further develop current capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).''
Speaking at the ceremony in the Fleet Command in Golcuk, General Ozkok said, ''Turkish people learnt that they could not neglect the naval forces with bitter experiences throughout the history.''
''Geographically, Turkey's coasts are longer three times than its land borders. Therefore, our naval force and fleet are of great importance in regard to our national security and national interests,'' he said.
General Ozkok noted, ''new political formations in our period have increased mission of our surrounding seas especially Eastern Mediterranean. As a result of integration of Eurasian energy basin with world markets and developments both in the Middle East and Caucasus, East Mediterranean, the Black Sea and Turkey have come to the forefront. Changes and developments in the world and lessons taken from the Iraq war reveal that we have to further develop current capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). The TSK is of vital importance due to its capability to protect national security and stability in the region all the time. It also acts as a deterrent force.''
''We are aware of the fact that our sources are limited. However, we believe that our Naval Forces will become the most powerful naval force of the region with an influential management of sources. Besides its effective role in national security, our Naval Forces has been carrying out an important mission together with the Gendarme Forces Command and the Coast Security Command in fight against arm smuggling, illicit drug trafficking, human smuggling and illegal migration. The Naval Forces has also been playing a significant role in many international projects from NATO and United Nations operations to humanitarian aid operations. This role of the Naval Forces supports our foreign policy,'' he said.
General Ozkok added, ''Turkey uses seaway in 90 percent of its foreign trade. Therefore, we have to attribute great importance to other maritime sectors. Vessel building sector, which constitutes a driving force in development of many countries, should also undertake this mission in our country.''
(UK-AÖ) 24.07.2003