Erdogan:Turkish presence in Libya raises hope for peace

By Havva Kara Aydin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will continue supporting the political process in Libya both on the ground and at the negotiating table, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday.

Speaking to reporters traveling with him on the plane following the conference in Berlin, Erdogan said that Turkey's efforts regarding Libya have brought balance to the process.

Erdogan said Turkey's presence in Libya raises hopes for peace.

He underlined that compliance with cease-fire in Libya brokered by Russia and Turkey will pave the way for a political solution.

“We see what kind of games are being played under the guise of fighting terrorism [in Libya],” he added.

Turkey opposed the EU's offer to be part of Libya process as a coordinator, Erdogan noted.

Touching peace building process in northern Syria, he said, "If we realize our own plans and projects in the region between Ras al-Ayn and Tal Abyad, these areas will become "cities of peace".

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: warlord Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya, supported mainly by Egypt and the UAE, and the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.

Libya’s legitimate government had been under attack by Haftar since last April, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 people.

On Jan. 12, the conflict parties announced a cease-fire in response to a joint call by the Turkish and Russian leaders. But talks last week for a permanent cease-fire deal ended without an agreement after Haftar left Moscow without signing the deal.

On Sunday, Haftar accepted in Berlin to designate members to a UN-proposed military commission with five members from each side to monitor implementation of the cease-fire.