Turkey's top general urges common international stand against terrorism

There is was no guarantee that nations not yet struck by terrorism will always be so fortunate, said Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug yesterday. "This problem can only be solved by the collective efforts of all nations, particularly allied nations," Basbug said on the first day of the 10th Silk Road General/Admiral Seminar in Istanbul. Basbug said that NATO member countries should bridge their policy differences to assume a common stance against terrorism. The unilateral efforts of a single country are not enough to end the terror threat in that country or elsewhere, he argued. Basbug also said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) is determined to fight terrorism until terrorist groups disband and lay down their arms. "Our goal in combating terrorism is to quash the hopes of the terrorists and their supporters," Basbug said. He said that he also believed the fight against terrorism should include security, economic, social and cultural steps, as well as coordinated initiatives by the state in the international arena. "But as long as terrorist organizations maintain their armed forces, it would be a mistake to believe that terrorism can be eradicated through economic and socio-cultural measures alone," he added. The top general said that the TSK is aware that risks and threats can no longer be handled just by military force, but that the international community must use both military and civilian means to eradicate such threats. On NATO, Basbug said that the alliance offers opportunities to members and non-members alike to solve problems through dialogue. Basbug said NATO's enlargement will help strengthen confidence and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic area, and the accession of new members will promote the goal of a free and united NATO and Europe. NATO's transformation will strengthen its ability to fight the security threats of the 21st century, he added. Around 119 people, including military representatives of NATO and European Union member states, Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries, Mediterranean Dialogue countries, Istanbul Cooperation Initiative countries, and some UN member countries are participating in the two-day seminar.