ISTANBUL (AA) - ''Terrorism is the biggest threat in Afghanistan. NATO has no other choice but to succeed in Afghanistan,'' Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit said on Tuesday.
A farewell ceremony was held for the 1600 military personnel who would conduct the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) 7th Term Activities for six months starting as of February 11th, 2005.
Gen. Buyukanit who made a keynote speech at the ceremony, stated that 33 countries were attending this historic mission, and noted that this was the first operational mission consigned to Turkey, and to this end it has a particular importance.
Gen. Buyukanit said, ''Turkish troops have been contributing to the world peace and security in various regions of the world, mainly Korea, Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Somalia.''
Gen. Buyukanit said terrorism appeared as an important threat in recent years not only for specific countries, but also for global peace, ''thus, the biggest threat in Afghanistan is terrorism,'' he stressed.
''Ongoing operation of NATO in Afghanistan indicates that sensitivity of nations against terrorism gradually grows. NATO has no alternatives, but to succeed in operation in Afghanistan and this depends on the fight of nations against terrorism not only in Afghanistan, but also in international sphere,'' Buyukanit emphasized.
(AY-A֩
2005-01-11