Turkish army signals new approach to reach out to terror-hit regions
Güncelleme Tarihi:
The Turkish army launched a new approach in its fight against terrorism, combining armed operations with social and economic measures with the support of other state organs.
The fresh approach was signaled on Friday by the new army chief Gen. Ilker Basbug, who held a series of meetings with non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the terror-hit southeastern region.Â
The fight against terrorism should be maintained with all organizations and institutions of
"The terrorist organization is approaching breaking point. We, as the Turkish Armed Forces, aim at deactivating the danger of terror as soon as possible. The Turkish state and nation should continue this fight in coordination," Basbug said at a press conference.
He added the fight against terror is a social issue and it consists of social, cultural, psychological and economic aspects.
"The struggle with terror is carried out by the state and nation in coordination with security, economic, and social-cultural fields, including education and health," he told a press conference in
Basbug's remarks on the terror issue are seen as another signal of the emergence of a new era in the Turkish Armed Forces' approach to domestic issues after the change in its top post.
A garrison commander paid a visit earlier this week to two retired generals arrested during the controversial Ergenekon operation, signaling a shift in the army's stance toward the case from which it had tried to distance itself in the past.
During his term, Basbug is seen to attach importance to many issues, including ties with NGOs, support to military personnel and social-cultural steps.
Observers say it would not be surprising if signals of change are given on army-government relations and international matters.