Chief of General Staff Buyukanit visits TRNC

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrus President (TRNC) Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday received Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, currently on the island as his official guest. During their meeting, Talat said that Turkish soldiers stationed in the TRNC do their duty under international guarantorship and alliance agreements, and will continue this until a just and lasting peace is established. Buyukanit said that he wants Turkish Cypriots and the TRNC to go forward safely. "Preserving a just peace is very important," said Buyukanit. "Surely those governing Cyprus, including President Talat, know that how peace becomes just and lasting. But this has to be ensured. All parties should understand this. The Greek Cypriot administration should understand this." Stating that Turkish soldiers have provided peace on Cyprus since 1974, Buyukanit said, "This hallowed duty will continue until a just and lasting peace is established."