Turkish FM: "We sent troops to Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan in the past"

Speaking at the parliament, Gul said, "friendly and allied countries including the Lebanese government encouraged us to contribute troops to the expanded United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since the Turkish Armed Forces successfully fulfilled its missions in foreign countries such as Bosnia and Afghanistan."

"Many EU-member countries and some members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) decided to send troops to Lebanon. As an eastern Mediterranean country, Turkey monitors all developments in neighboring Lebanon. Settlement of stability in Lebanon is of great importance in regard to Turkey's security. Turkey's economic, political and social relations with the other eastern Mediterranean countries have been improving. Also, we attach great importance to provide security of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline," he said.

Gul stressed that Turkey, as the most powerful country in its region, wanted to become a member of the United Nations Security Council.

"We do not send combatant troops to Lebanon. The UNIFIL will not be involved in clashes with any of the parties in the region. Meanwhile, the other countries also declared that their troops would not be involved in disarmament efforts. The decree envisages to decrease the risk to the minimum for our troops. According to the decree, our soldiers will carry out humanitarian relief, logistic support and training of Lebanese soldiers. All duties of Turkish troops are listed in the decree frankly. Therefore, it is not correct to mislead the public opinion. After our parliament makes a decision, we should support our armed forces," Gul added.

/The Anatolian Times/