Turkey: Officials Welcome Libya Troops Motion

Turkish officials welcome a motion ratified by parliament that authorized the country to send troops to Libya.

"Turkey will continue to be strong in the field and at the table," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter.

"The Libya troops deployment motion ratified in the Turkish Parliament is an important step taken in order to ensure peace and stability in Libya and to protect the interests of our country in North Africa and the Mediterranean," he added.

Turkey's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that the deal between Turkey and Libya is the best guarantee for regional security and stability.

"Our parliament authorized the deployment of our troops to Libya to help the Libyan government upon their official request. We are committed to the security of our Libyan brothers and sisters. We will oppose any attempts to sow discord among them for the interest of outsiders," he added.

He said some countries try to put "their narrow interests above international peace and security in the Mediterranean" and warned that any agreement excluding Libya's legitimate government will drag the country into further chaos.

"Turkey will work toward defending international law, achieving security and preserving peace in Libya & the Eastern Mediterranean. We will prevent any effort to exploit the conflict in the region. At the same time, we are also ready to cooperate on establishing stability!" he added.

The head of parliament's National Defense Committee, Ismet Yilmaz, stressed that the main aim of the motion is to ensure a ceasefire and stability in Libya.

"The motion will contribute to a ceasefire and will create an appropriate environment for a political solution," he added.

Omer Celik, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said his country had a stance against invaders, showing its will both in the field and in diplomacy.

"Undoubtedly, we are the only country that acts in line with the rule of law in the Mediterranean equation," he added.

Turkey's special envoy to Libya Emrullah Isler said Turkey, through its security and military cooperation agreement with Libya, will provide its support as much as possible for reforming security in the country.

Stance of opposition parties

Mustafa Destici, head of the opposition Grand Unity Party (BBP), said Turkey cannot ignore the developments in Libya.

"For Turkey, it is an important duty and responsibility to support the official government in Libya recognized by the UN," he added.

Unal Cevikoz, the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) deputy chair, said they oppose the motion.

"It is a motion of war that will send Turkish soldiers to fight in Libya," Cevikoz said.

The Turkish parliament on Thursday ratified a motion authorizing the government to send troops to Libya.

A total of 509 lawmakers attended the ballot in the 600-seat parliament, with 325 voting in favor of the motion and 184 rejecting it.

The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) backed the motion while the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and opposition Good Party voted against it. -