General Yasar Büyükanit, the Chief of General Staff, yesterday (27 August) published a message on the official website of the General Staff celebrating the Day of Victory on 30 August.

The national holiday represents the victory against foreign invaders of Turkish soil and has been celebrated since 1923 in some cities and since 1935 nationwide.

In the message addressed to the "dear fellow soldiers", Büyükanit said that "the attacks on the Republic's laicist and democratic structure, on the nation's unity and togetherness have increased" and that "the attacks on the army from within the country and from abroad have increased".

He added: "I wish success to all the members of the heroic Armed Forces, who are acting with this consciousness and are struggling against the terror organisation which is trying to divide our country and embrace all our heroic children and their commanders with love."

"Do not forget that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, said, 'Those who found the Republic must also be able to protect it.' His maxim will always be our guide and give us strength."

www.tsk.mil.tr

Judging from the archive of press statements on the web site, this is the first time the Chief of Staff has published a message for the 30 August holiday. Ever since Büyükanit has become Chief of General Staff, the website has been used for quite a few statements.

Apart from the 27 April "e-memorandum", the General Staff has also published statements contradicting articles by journalists Yasemin Congar and Metehan Demir. (EÜ/AG)