Gen. Kosaner: "The TSK will continue to defend the republic's basic principles"

At a ceremony yesterday, Gen. Isik Kosaner took over command of the Turkish Land Forces from Gen. Ilker Basbug. Addressing the handover gathering, Kosaner said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) would continue to defend the basic principles of the republic, and that it had no intention of intervening in domestic politics. He added that the TSK's power comes from the Turkish nation which it serves. Among those attending the ceremony were President Abdullah Gul, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Also speaking at the gathering, Basbug said that the TSK had carried out successful operations against the terrorist PKK, and that it would continue to do so. Basbug will take over the helm of the TSK from Gen. Yasar Buyukanit at a ceremony today.