Buyukanit: "Turkey can solve all its problems itself"

Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit yesterday attended a reception in Ankara marking the 60th anniversary of the foundation of Israel. Speaking to reporters at the ceremony, Buyukanit said that Turkey can solve its problems by itself, without need for advice from others. Asked about the labels "fanatic secularism" or democratic secularism" being applied to Turkey, Buyukanit said that he always objects to such labels, as only Turks can define themselves. Stressing that Turkey should avoid polarization, as it sows conflict, he added, "We created a republic from the Ottoman Empire, and Turkey has the ability to solve all its problems." Touching on past cross-border operations against the terrorist PKK, he said that Turkey has gained a psychological advantage in fighting the PKK, as will become clear in the near future. Stating that public support is very important in fighting terrorism, which has social, economic and psychological aspects, he added, "The terrorists reaching their goals is inconceivable."