Turkish peace corps back from UN mission in Lebanon

Turkey completed Monday the withdrawal of its forces from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission operating in southern Lebanon, reported by the Turkish General Staff. The Turkish Armed Forces has operated in Lebanon for seven months as part of the UN peacekeeping mission with 14 armed officers, 38 non commissioned officers, 157 privates and 4 civil servants. The Turkish technical contingent arrived at Iskenderun Port in southern Turkey on Monday with families and relatives greeting the returning soldiers. "Our military post set an example to other military posts. Everyone loved our services in Lebanon," Gurdal Yildiz, a special sergeant who served in Lebanon, told reporters. For his part, sergeant Nejdet Cebel said, "I am very happy to be back to our country safe and sound." However, Turkey will continue to contribute to UNIFIL's maritime task force with an assault boat and three crew, said the Turkish military.