"Top Turkish General: 'No Change in Our Position'
Tonight, at a reception marking the Turkish Cypriot Armed Forces Day, the Turkish Chief of General Staff General Yasar Buyukanit answered the questions of journalists who inquired whether or not he stood behind his April 12 remarks [concerning the presidential candidate]. Gen. Buyukanit said, “The views of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) do not vary from day to day. We stand behind what we said on April 12”, referring to the address in which he said that the next president (who also is the commander in chief of the military) must adhere to the principles of a secular, democratic state –not only in words but in essence.
General Buyukanit refused to answer further questions on the subject of presidency and added that they were there for Cyprus and he would be willing to speak only on issues concerning Cyprus .
Sources: Milliyet, Turkish Daily News, Turkey, July 30, 2007"
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