Erdogan maneuvering to stay in Libya

Mustafa Kamel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would consider pulling its troops out of Libya, probably making a new maneuver as a new transitional authority is being formed in the restive North African country.

However, Erdogan said other countries have to withdraw their troops out of Libya first, confirming reports about Turkish ambitions in Libya and plans not to get out of it.

Maneuvering Erdogan

He claimed that his country had deployed its troops in Libya, only with the aim of offering training to troops affiliate to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

He added that when Turkey sends its troops anywhere, it does this for peace.

There is a military cooperation agreement between Turkey and the GNA, Erdogan said.

The GNA and Turkey signed two memorandums of understanding in November 27 for security cooperation and the demarcation of maritime boundaries.

Turkish interference in Libya was requested by the GNA. Nevertheless, the same interference was rejected by the Libyan people as well as the by the international community.

The formation of a transitional authority in Libya, namely the Presidential Council, and the selection of a prime minister was welcomed by United Nations acting envoy to Libya Stephanie Williams.

The Libyans, she said, had gone a long way, overcoming their differences for the sake of their country.

Turkish ambitions

Remarks by Turkish officials prove that Turkey will maintain its hostile policies towards Libya by ignoring international calls for ending Turkish military presence in the country.

This presence will hamper efforts by the Libyans to reach understandings and settle the situation in their country.

Turkish moves bespeak dangerous intentions on the part of Ankara, ones that can torpedo the political process in Libya as a whole.

Turkey had sent over 18,000 Syrian mercenaries into Libya so far. It also sent 2,500 Tunisians, including minors who are less than 18 years of age, into the country.