‘Turkey’s Military Consultancy to Libya’s UN-Recognized Government to Continue’

* Photo: Murat Kula - Ankara / AA

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Unable to convene due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak since January 30, 2020, the National Security Council of Turkey (NSC) had a meeting in the capital city of Ankara yesterday (June 2).

While the meeting was chaired by President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a written statement has been released following the meeting, sharing details about the main subjects on the agenda of the Council yesterday.

"The negative approaches of some actors, who have come together around the common denominator of animosity towards Turkey, to the legitimate and legal steps Turkey takes in the Mediterranean were evaluated," the statement of the Council has read and added: 

"It was stated that our country's rights, relations and interests on land, at sea and in the air will continue to be protected without any concession."

Further informing the public that "the Council was briefed on the operations successfully conducted both at home and abroad against all terrorist organizations, especially the PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, DAESH and FETÖ," the statement has underlined that "the fight waged in Turkey and the region against terror will be continued with determination."

Syria and Libya

The statement of the Council has also reiterated "Turkey's determination to maintain without any concession the multifaceted works it carries out for the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, clearing the region of terrorist organizations and enabling Syrians to safely and voluntarily return to their country in a dignified manner." 

The statement has also called one the international community "to support these efforts of Turkey" within this context.

In reference to the latest situation in Libya, the statement has pointed out that "the military consultancy services provided by Turkey to Libya's United Nations (UN)-recognized legitimate government, which endeavors to protect Libya's political unity and territorial integrity and to ensure peace and tranquility across the country, will be continued."

"The international community is called on to take a principled stance against shady groups, which usurp the will of Libyan people and target Libya's legitimate government," the statement has read further.

Since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: One in eastern Libya, the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar, and the other in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition, the Government of National Accord (GNA).

Having convened to discuss a motion on military deployment to Libya in early January 2020, the General Assembly of the Parliament of Turkey has passed the motion by a vote of 325 against 184.

COVID-19 pandemic

Concluding the statement, the Council has also referred to Turkey's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since March 11, 2020, when the first COVID-19 case was officially confirmed by the country.

"The success that our country has achieved in every area, particularly healthcare, food, technology, economy as well as public order and security, in our relentless fight against the pandemic, which is effective on a global scale, was underscored," the statement has read further. (EKN/SD)

* Source: Official website of the Presidency