Defense Minister Ozel pledges support for Afghanistan

Defense Minister Ismet Ozel said yesterday that even if NATO withdraws from Afghanistan, Turkey would maintain its presence in that country. Ozel visited the family of Air Staff Major Sukru Bagdatli, who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last week, to express his condolences. Speaking to reporters following his visit, Ozel said that Turkey would remain in Afghanistan, as long as this country wants it. "Afghanistan would also help us, if we were in trouble," Ozel said.