Basbug welcomed in Izmir

Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug was enthusiastically welcomed in the Aegean city of Izmir yesterday, where together with several other commanders, he held a series of talks with provincial officials. Basbug was greeted by a crowd of people as he left Izmir Governor Cahit Kirac's office after a brief meeting. "We are with our people," Basbug told locals who welcomed him. "Izmir has a very different atmosphere. I am happy to be here." Asked by a local man if he would visit the city more often, he said he would. "I've always been delighted to be in Izmir," he said. "I will come here more often. This is how the Turkish military is. When you look at the military, you see yourselves. We are you and you are us."