LEFKOSA - Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus (KTBK) Commander General Ozteker handed over on Monday his mission to General Isik Kosaner in a ceremony in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Releasing a speech in the ceremony, TRNC President Rauf Denktas said that TRNC officials could carry out their mission peacefully by the existence of KTBK.
Noting that sovereignty was the basis of freedom, justice and equality, Denktas said that they experienced the happiness of seeing KTBK by their side throughout their struggle.
Denktas said that what Turkish soldier had been protecting since 1571 was not only a piece of land, but also the land that was watered by the bloods of martyrs. He added that all the world was trying to make them a minority in Greek Cypriot lands and they received the message that Turkey had always been by the side of Turkish Cypriots.
Denktas wished success to Kosaner who took over the mission from Ozteker.
Ozteker recalled that he had carried out his mission for two years and said that the existence of KTBK was the assurance of peace and tranquility in the island for 29 years and it would carry out its effective and deterrent mission.
Noting that Cyprus had a strategical importance in the aspect of general security of Turkey and he had the honor to work on such a point, Ozteker said that KTBK was equipped with more modern tools, arms and equipments after the reconstruction process.
Recalling that Turkish Cypriots had difficult days before 1974, Ozteker said that 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation brought peace not only to Turkish Cypriots, but also to Greek Cypriots. He added that Turkish Cypriots had been existing for 29 years by not experiencing any threat.
Kosaner said that it was obvious that the need for strong armed forces would continue in the days when technology developed rapidly and threat risks changed shape. He added that he was honored to take over the command of KTBK which had superior and deterrent strength in the days which TRNC and Turkey were experiencing sensitive periods on national and international platform.
(GC-AÖ) 18.08.2003