General Basbug: Continuation Of Nato's Support To Afghanistan Is Of Great Importance In Regard To Future Of Both Afghanistan And Nato

ISTANBUL - Turkish General Staff Deputy Chief General Ilker Basbug has said, ''continuation of NATO's support to Afghanistan and success of NATO's mission in this country are of great importance in regard to future of both Afghanistan and the Alliance.''
Speaking at a symposium held by the General Staff Department of Military History and Strategic Studies in Istanbul on ''Regions of Crisis from the Perspective of Turkey, NATO and European Union (EU) and Their Impacts on Turkey's Security'', General Basbug said on Thursday, ''developments in Afghanistan has been high on agenda of the world. Efforts to provide peace and stability in this country have been continuing successfully.''
''As you know, Turkey took over the second term command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Britain on June 20, 2002. Turkish soldiers served in Kabul till February 10, 2003. Now, ISAF has been maintaining its mission under the responsibility of NATO. Continuation of NATO's support to Afghanistan and success of NATO's mission in this country are of great importance in regard to future of both Afghanistan and the Alliance. The ISAF is a sign of NATO's readiness and determination against threats of the 21st century. We can comment that the ISAF was a test for influence of the Alliance. Success of the mission depends on contribution of the allied countries,'' he said.
Noting that Turkey would send three helicopters to Afghanistan by the end of May upon requests of NATO, General Basbug said that our efforts to make contribution to regional improvement teams had been continuing under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(UK-AÖ) 27.05.2004